Highflyer Bloodstock Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 4m 9.30s

Phoenix Way^t²⁹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Aidan Coleman| T: H Fry| OR: 140

11/4

Point winner who was a promising novice hurdler in 2018/19 and landed a 25f Huntingdon handicap on sole start last term. Looks a real chasing type, but this drop in trip may not be ideal.

Form: 1521/1-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Quick Grabim^t⁵⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 144| D

1/1

Multiple winner of novice hurdles for Willie Mullins in 2018, including a Fairyhouse Grade 1. Positive start over fences when runner-up in a good Uttoxeter novice (2m) and he's open to improvement.

Form: 1/4565-2

Stratagem^t²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-9| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 140| D

9/4

Bought for €260,000 after winning sole start in France and wide-margin winner of Kelso novice hurdle in February. Too bad to be true on Cheltenham reappearance and intriguing contender on chase debut.

Form: 131-6

Forecasts

Quick Grabim (1/1), Stratagem (9/4), Phoenix Way (11/4)

STRATAGEM's reappearance effort at Cheltenham was inauspicious, but he showed plenty of promise over hurdles last season and is of strong interest switched to fences, particularly with his 4-y-o allowance taken into account. Quick Grabim is clear second choice given that Phoenix Way, who should have a bright future over fences, will probably find this trip too sharp.