bet365 December Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 6m 19.19s

House Island¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: G Sheehan| T: P R Webber| OR: 138

10/3

Listed bumper winner/useful hurdler and didn't need to improve on his debut effort over fences to get off the mark at Ludlow 19 days ago, all out. Player with this step up in trip sure to suit.

Form: 1248-21

Hurricane Harvey³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 139

5/2

Progressive over hurdles last term and perfect start over fences when successful at Uttoxeter (20f) in October. Found wanting in Grade 2 since but no surprise to see him do better again.

Form: 2113-12

Milanford²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Nick Mitchell| D

10/1

Off mark in points at the sixth attempt and seemed to excel himself sent straight over fences for his Rules debut when runner-up at Exeter just under 3 weeks ago, very much having the run of the race.

Form: 23P21-2

Ofalltheginjoints³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 143| D

5/4

Useful winning hurdler who built on the considerable promise of his chasing debut when scoring in 9-runner handicap chase at Exeter last month. Will improve again and looks the one to beat.

Form: 2444-31

Non-Runners

The Mighty Don¹

Weight: 11-1| Age: 8

T: N J Gifford J: James Davies

Forecasts

Ofalltheginjoints (5/4), Hurricane Harvey (5/2), House Island (10/3), The Mighty Don (6/1), Milanford (10/1)

The usual small but select field in this contest, with OFALLTHEGINJOINTS taken to double his tally over fences having built on considerable debut promise at Exeter last month. He never looked in any trouble that day and can take this step up into graded company in his stride. Hurricane Harvey was firmly put in his place at Wincanton last month and may have to settle for silver again.