Paddy Power Dipper Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 5m 13.89s

Protektorat^h⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 154| D

1/2

Useful hurdler who has made perfect start to chasing career with impressive all-the-way wins at Carlisle (2m) and Cheltenham (2½m), jumping boldly. Looks destined for big things in this sphere.

Form: 2130-11

Lieutenant Rocco²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: Nick Mitchell| OR: 137

10/1

Dual hurdles winner last term and stepped up on return/chase debut when second in 20.6f Cheltenham novice last time. Should win races in this sphere, but he's up against two very promising types here.

Form: 311P-32

Messire Des Obeaux²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 147| CD

9/4

Smart novice hurdler during 2016/17 campaign and shaped well sole start last term following a lengthy absence. Impressive chase debut winner on return over C&D and he's greatly respected.

Form: 1233/4-1

Forecasts

Protektorat (1/2), Messire Des Obeaux (9/4), Lieutenant Rocco (10/1)

PROTEKTORAT faces a very talented type in Messire des Obeaux, but Dan Skelton's charge is nevertheless hard to oppose on the back of his impressive front-running wins at Carlisle and Cheltenham, looking every inch a natural over fences. Lieutenant Rocco isn't short of ability either, but he lacks the star potential of his two rivals.