Pertemps Network Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:38 | Winning time: 6m 29.01s

Diomede Des Mottes^t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 130| BF

11/4

Useful 3m hurdle winner who shaped well on chase debut in 3m Bangor novice only to be let down by his jumping when pulled up at Aintree 16 days ago. Had looked sure to progress so not written off.

Form: 420P-4P

Lies About Milan²⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 132WS

3/1

Very lightly-raced point winner who finished promising runner-up in 3m Huntingdown maiden on chasing bow last winter. Since had wind op and in excellent hands so sure to go well on his return.

Form: 1222-

Perform⁵⁵²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: R Johnson| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 120

40/1

Very lightly raced for his age but useful hurdler/chaser at his best for Philip Hobbs when last seen out 18 months ago. Fitness clearly a big concern now on his return for new handler.

Form: 7433P/P-

Volcano¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R T Dunne| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 101

33/1

It's now fifteen runs since last win in 2017, though he shaped encouragingly when second of 10 in handicap chase at Bangor (20.3f) on debut over fences 14 days ago. This demands a lot more, however.

Form: 08P5-52

Whitley Neill^b1¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: W T Kennedy| T: L Williamson| OR: 117

200/1

Fairly useful hurdler at his best for David Pipe in early 2019 but he's been pulled up both runs for new yard this autumn. Goes chasing now with serious questions to answer.

Form: 34PU/PP

William Henry^p²⁶¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Thomas| OR: 157

5/6

Very smart hurdler for Nicky Henderson who signed off for last term with Grade 2 win at Fontwell. Saddle slipped after early mistake on chasing bow back in 2017. Remains with potential so one to beat.

Form: P14/381-

Forecasts

William Henry (5/6), Diomede Des Mottes (11/4), Lies About Milan (3/1), Volcano (33/1), Perform (40/1), Whitley Neill (200/1)

WILLIAM HENRY's saddle slipped after an early error on his chasing bow back in 2017 but this very smart sort is much the best of these over hurdles so is taken to make a winning return for his in-form new yard. Lies About Milan is very lightly raced but made an encouraging start over fences when runner-up at Huntingdon last term and looks the one to chase him home ahead of Diomede des Mottes.