bargainfox.com Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:12 | Winning time: 4m 18.45s

Court Royale³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: S Bowen| T: Evan Williams| OR: 122| D

15/2

Three-time hurdles winner who has scored twice over fences this term, though he was rather fortunate in a 5-runner race at Taunton last time. Should be competitive again.

Form: 3-81P31

The Raven's Return^p³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Daniel Sansom⁽³⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 117| D

7/1

Returned better than ever to land a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot but he's quite temperamental and has a rise to contend with on his first go at chasing.

Form: 62326-1

Alaskan Boy²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 115

50/1

Fair form over hurdles in France but none too fluent when last in a handicap at Stratford on chasing/stable debut. Others make more appeal.

Form: 459/7

Numitor¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: H Main| OR: 113

11/4

Mid-field in two bumpers and some promise over hurdles, good third at Hereford on handicap debut recently. Should take to chasing, so he's one to consider with the drop in trip no great concern.

Form: 5/885-43

Desque De L'Isle¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 113| D

1/1

Has returned better than ever, comfortably, making all twice at Lingfield, so the hat-trick is firmly on the cards in this weak event with more improvement on the way.

Form: 3772-11

Rostello^p1⁵⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Lee Edwards| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 112WS

11/1

Fairly useful form over hurdles in France but disappointing in that sphere for current stable, so has a bit to prove reverted to chasing.

Form: 53245-8

Non-Runners

God Knows Why³

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: Christian Williams J: Jack Tudor

Forecasts

Desque De L'Isle (1/1), Numitor (11/4), The Raven's Return (7/1), Court Royale (15/2), Rostello (11/1), God Knows Why (25/1), Alaskan Boy (50/1)

DESQUE DE L'ISLE has looked progressive since returning this autumn and has found a good opportunity to complete a hat-trick in what strikes as a weak event. He gets the nod over Court Royale, with The Raven's Return hard to completely dismiss on his first go at chasing.