Play ITV7 Tonight Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 7m 13.25s

Ballymagroarty Boy^p⁷⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: David Noonan| T: N J Hawke| OR: 117WS

3/1

Won a 2m7f handicap hurdle at Haydock (heavy) 13 months ago, and runner-up off this mark at Plumpton in March. Better than result when fifth to La Cavsa Nostra at Chepstow on chasing debut, and that form has been well advertised since. Interesting.

Form: 7/18F2-5

Stockburn^v³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 113

2/1

Was a winner over fences on just his second chase start at Bangor (3m), and placed on all three completed starts since, most recently in a 3¾m handicap at Exeter. Should be thereabouts with visor he wore there retained.

Form: 3-12P23

Nesterenko¹⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 111| BF| C

3/1

Still a maiden over fences, but has several creditable efforts to his name of late, and not disgraced when fifth of 8 to Ravenhill Road in a 2m5½f handicap at Haydock last time. Eased slightly in class now, and can have no excuses if staying.

Form: 25-3245

Financial Outcome^t³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 110

9/4

Hasn't gone on since a fair third on chase debut at Hereford, but capable of better based on his hurdles form, and won twice between the flags as a 5-y-o, so disappointing if he can't be competitive from falling mark.

Form: 422-344

Non-Runners

Telson Barley⁴⁶

Weight: 11-2| Age: 7

T: D Killahena & G McPherson J: Kielan Woods

Forecasts

Stockburn (2/1), Financial Outcome (9/4), Ballymagroarty Boy (3/1), Nesterenko (3/1), Telson Barley (7/1)

None of these are entirely convincing, but on the other hand, all can be given a chance, with the verdict going to BALLYMCGROARTY BOY, who finished behind two promising stayers - including recent Sussex National winner Christmas In April - on his chase debut at Chepstow, and should improve for the experience. Stockburn and Nesterenko are hard to win with, but both have the form to win this, and are taken to chase the selection home.