SSR Congratulates Phil Bell 55 Today Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:00 | Winning time: 3m 48.10s

Crooks Peak^p1²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 130| D

40/1

Useful hurdler who rattled off a hat-trick at around 2m during 2018/19 campaign. Too free on chase debut at Stratford and Richard Johnson jumps ship. Cheekpieces applied.

Form: 0/4440-5

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Fusil Raffles¹⁹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 150| D

5/6

Won first 3 starts for this yard over hurdles, including a Grade 1 in Ireland. Well held in the Champion Hurdle when last seen, but it's still early days and he's of strong interest on chase debut.

Form: 21/11P0-

Gumball³³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 152| D

2/1

Bagged a competitive listed handicap hurdle at Ascot last November. Ended 2019/20 campaign on a low-key note, but shaped well on the Flat last month and should go close if taking to fences.

Form: 312600-

Quick Grabim^t1²¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 144| D

8/1

Multiple winner of novice hurdles in 2018, including a Fairyhouse Grade 1. However, well held both starts for new yard last term and bit to prove now tackling the larger obstacles.

Form: 41/4565-

Getariver^h,t²¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 121| D

12/1

Winner of sole start between the flags, 3-3 in bumpers and scored over hurdles at Ludlow last November. However, significant improvement required now switched to fences.

Form: 11/4131-

Non-Runners

Dorking Boy²²³

Weight: 10-12| Age: 6

T: T Lacey J: J J Burke

Forecasts

Fusil Raffles (5/6), Gumball (2/1), Quick Grabim (8/1), Getariver (12/1), Dorking Boy (16/1), Crooks Peak (40/1)

An intriguing novices' chase with GUMBALL and Fusil Raffles both potentially very useful recruits to this sphere. The latter has fewer miles on the clock and is probably the greater long-term prospect, but Gumball has a fitness edge having acquitted himself well in a competitive Flat handicap last month, a factor which tilts the scales in his favour. Quick Grabim is best of the rest.