racingtv.com Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 23.10s

First Flow¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 148| D

1/16

Won Grade 2 over hurdles two years ago and in fine form over fences this term with three wins already in the bag. Revelled in heavy ground winning last two starts and will bid to make all again under his penalties. Looks a class apart.

Form: 213211

Grumpy Boots^t²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Craig Nichol| T: A C Whillans

40/1

Stowaway gelding who makes his chaisng bow having shown precious little in three starts to date over timber. Would have to turn over a completely new leaf to score and looks up against it.

Form: 3867

Nettlebush³¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Danny Cook| T: Miss S E Forster

33/1

Winning pointer but had previously shown only poor form in five starts under Rules and has been woefully out of sorts between the flags pulling up on four of his last five runs.

Form: 4PP5P-P

Rollerruler^t⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Dale Irving⁽³⁾| T: M A Barnes| OR: 102

16/1

Failed to score in eight attempts over timber although did show signs of ability. Making chasing bow here for local yard going through quiet spell and without a winner for three months.

Form: 453P-50

Forecasts

First Flow (1/16), Rollerruler (16/1), Nettlebush (33/1), Grumpy Boots (40/1)

Bar a fall this race looks very much at the mercy of southern raider FIRST FLOW who has taken very well to fences and looks set for his fourth win of the season with only modest opposition facing him. His handler has a 33% a strike rate here with his chasers. The other three are no great shakes but Rollerruler looks best of the trio having shown a little form over hurdles and may chase the selection home if putting in a clear round. Grumpy Boots might get the better of Nettlebush in the race to avoid the wooden spoon.