Walters Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:42 | Winning time: 4m 5.86s

Highway One O Two^h²⁶⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 146| D

13/8

Smart 2m hurdler who ended last season firmly on the up, completing a hat-trick in Grade 2 at Kempton. Back from 8-month absence for his chasing bow and an exciting prospect.

Form: 0/24111-

Mack The Man²⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: R M Power| T: Evan Williams| OR: 130| D

7/2

Big improver over hurdles last term, winning a brace of 2m handicaps (strong form). Was closing when brought down last in Betfair Hurdle final outing and is another interesting chasing debutant.

Form: 32P/11B-

Three County's²⁸⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Miss L Brooke⁽⁷⁾| T: Lady S Brooke| OR: 87

250/1

Modest maiden hurdler for Olly Murphy and set a very stiff task on chase debut for new yard.

Form: 97/0045-

Totterdown^h²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 141| D

10/3

Useful hurdler who ended last season with a good third at Sandown. Not an obvious chaser and ran below his hurdle form on first try at Market Rasen last month but is entitled to improve. Hood back on.

Form: 4P7/13-3

Hitman²⁹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 141| DWS

3/1

Easy winner of 8-runner juvenile event at Pau on final outing in January. Will continue to improve for new yard and is an interesting chase debutant after wind op armed with 4-y-o weight allowance.

Form: 2P1-

Forecasts

Highway One O Two (13/8), Hitman (3/1), Totterdown (10/3), Mack The Man (7/2), Three County's (250/1)

A very intriguing beginners' chase with the vote going to HIGHWAY ONE O TWO, who quickly made up into a smart hurdler last season and looks an exciting prospect for chasing given his free-going style. Hitman, armed with a 4-y-o weight allowance, and Mack The Man command plenty of respect, though.