Ladbrokes John Francome Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:40 | Winning time: 5m 43.00s

Acey Milan^t³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Rex Dingle| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 137| C

14/1

Took an immediate step forward to make a winning chasing debut in a handicap at Aintree on reappearance, having a bit in hand as he idled up the run-in. This is tougher but he's worth considering.

Form: 82268-1

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Hold The Note^p²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: M R Channon| OR: 145

17/2

Quickly made up into a smart novice chaser last term but he's still winless in this discipline and went in snatches when last of 4 at Wetherby on return. Others make more appeal.

Form: 2/3P23-4

Kalooki²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 147| C

7/4

Was progressive in novice hurdles last term and relished the switch to fences when bolting up at this course earlier in the month. Form has been boosted and he looks an exciting prospect.

Form: 5/4112-1

Next Destination²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149

11/8

Smart novice hurdler for Willie Mullins in 2017/18 and showed he retains all of his ability when second in the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby on return. He should make a better chaser.

Form: 11131/2

One For The Team²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: Nick Williams| OR: 140| BF| C

8/1

Useful hurdler who returned with a respectable third in the Persian War at Chepstow. Set to finish second when coming down at the last at this course on subsequent chasing debut, so not ruled out.

Form: 2231-3U

Non-Runners

Southfield Stone¹⁵

Weight: 11-5| Age: 7

T: P F Nicholls J: Bryony Le Clerc

Forecasts

Next Destination (11/8), Kalooki (7/4), Southfield Stone (6/1), One For The Team (8/1), Hold The Note (17/2), Acey Milan (14/1)

The talented NEXT DESTINATION made a cracking start for Paul Nicholls when runner-up in a Grade 2 hurdle at Wetherby and, with the promise of more to come switched to chasing, he boasts excellent claims despite being rather thrown in at the deep end. Kalooki is an obvious danger on the back of his ready success at this course earlier in the month.