Pytchley Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 4m 17.9s

First Flow¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 141| BF| D

8/11

Placed on both starts since a facile win at Hereford in December, and produced a career-best effort when ½L second of 6 to Dolos in handicap at Sandown last time. Hard to beat with a repeat as he drops in class.

Form: 5-22132

Albert's Back⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: B S Hughes| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 134| BF| D

12/1

Winning hurdler who shaped well when third of 5 to Good Boy Bobby in a novice at Wetherby on chase debut. but could merely match that form when a close last of three behind Schiehallion Munro at Newcastle last time.

Form: 11/2-33

Muratello²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: D A Jacob| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 130

15/8

Has failed to convince in two starts over further since sent chasing, but much better form when ¾L second of 10 to Billingsley in a 2m handicap at Haydock last time. Can do better still kept to this trip.

Form: 330-852

Destin D'Ajonc⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 125

16/1

Lightly raced over hurdles with Gordon Elliott but did show plenty of ability in early 2018. Hasn't gone on since returning from a long absence for current yard, though, and switches to fences now.

Form: 360/636

Forecasts

First Flow (8/11), Muratello (15/8), Albert's Back (12/1), Destin D'Ajonc (16/1)

This should be a match between FIRST FLOW and Muratello, and while the latter improved for the drop to 2m last time, First Flow has a solid profile in similar conditions, and looks to have a slight class edge. Albert's Back is much the best of the other pair, and may yet do better over fences.