Follow WillHillRacing On Twitter Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:45 | Winning time: 6m 24.5s

Soldier Of Love^p,t⁴⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 140| CD

9/4

Much improved back from a wind op, thriving to complete chase hat-trick in a C&D handicap last month. Had plenty in hand that day and he's one to keep firmly on side.

Form: 1/5F-111

Coole Cody²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 137| C

13/8

Looked better than ever following a stable switch when opening his chase account over 21f here last month, taking over 3 out and cruising clear. One to be interested in again on that evidence.

Form: 0/834P-1

Irish Prophecy¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 129| C

11/1

Back with a bang when landing 21f handicap here in July and backed that up when second at Southwell (20.4f) 3 weeks later. However, proved to be a disappointment at Stratford last time.

Form: 41P-127

Darlac^b1²³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 128

8/1

Fontwell maiden hurdle winner (19.2f) who has essentially developed a mixed record over larger obstacles, going in snatches when last seen at Wincanton in January. Blinkers enlisted for return.

Form: 2F34F5-

Follow The Bear³¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 136

5/1

Point winner who hit top form over hurdles last term completing the hat-trick at Market Rasen (23f). Good second on chase debut at Worcester 12 months ago and clearly not 100% at Aintree thereafter.

Form: 3/1112P-

Monbeg Theatre^p,t³⁴⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-6| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 138

12/1

Veteran who fared better than previously in this sphere without looking a natural when second of 4 in an Exeter maiden (3m) last October. Not discounted but this quite a hot return to action.

Form: 1342P/2-

Non-Runners

Red River³¹⁷

Weight: 11-6| Age: 7

T: K Bailey & M Nicholls J: C Gethings

Forecasts

Coole Cody (13/8), Soldier Of Love (9/4), Red River (4/1), Follow The Bear (5/1), Darlac (8/1), Irish Prophecy (11/1), Monbeg Theatre (12/1)

SOLDIER OF LOVE and Coole Cody arrive on the back of career-best efforts and may well be the pair to focus on. The former had plenty in hand when taking another C&D event early last month and shades the vote. Monbeg Theatre may do best of the others.