nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 6m 3.21s

The Devils Drop³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 131| D

16/1

Racked up a hat-trick of hurdle wins around 3m in 2018 but off over 2 years before well held in 3m handicap at Cheltenham on return. Should strip fitter now but this is a tough introduction to fences.

Form: 35111/0

The Ferry Master^p²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 128| D

6/1

Fair winning hurdler who has taken well to fences on the back of wind surgery, cheekpieces on when wide-margin scorer in 3m Kelso handicap chase 3 weeks ago. Up 9 lb but improving so not ruled out.

Form: 3251-21

Aye Aye Charlie³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 127| D

11/4

Useful hurdler who failed to fire over fences last term but back on song after wind op when 2nd in 25f Hereford handicap chase on return. Winner has gone in again since so good claims off same mark.

Form: 543UP-2

Oscar Robertson²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Danny Cook| T: T R George| OR: 124

11/4

Fairly useful 20f hurdle winner who has made promising start over fences, finishing strongly to land 21f Hereford handicap 20 days ago. 5 lb higher now but has more to offer up in trip so player.

Form: 2/714-41

Court Dreaming^p⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 123

13/2

Dual hurdles winner who finally got off the mark over fences in 3m handicap chase at Carlisle last month, just holding on having idled once clear. Up 3 lb but likely to do better if delivered later.

Form: 43-U2F1

Baron De Midleton²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: B Ellison| OR: 123| BF

10/3

Fairly useful winning hurdler but he failed to build on promising chasing bow when fifth of 6 in 20f Carlisle handicap last month. Should benefit from this step up in trip though so no forlorn hope.

Form: 141F-55

Forecasts

Aye Aye Charlie (11/4), Oscar Robertson (11/4), Baron De Midleton (10/3), The Ferry Master (6/1), Court Dreaming (13/2), The Devils Drop (16/1)

None of these can be safely ruled out but AYE AYE CHARLIE returned an improved model after a wind op when runner-up at Hereford and with that form looking strong he is taken to go one better off an unchanged mark. Oscar Robertson should take a step forward now he goes up in trip so is feared most, although both Court Dreaming and The Ferry Master also have more to offer and can have a say too.