Virgin Bet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:06 | Winning time: 4m 21.3s

Dostal Phil^h¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 138| D

7/4

Fairly useful hurdler who looked an above-average prospect when making a winning start over fences after 10 months off at Newbury 17 days ago, quickening to lead approaching last. Will improve.

Form: 021/1P-1

Antunes⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 137| D

7/1

A big horse so no surprise he's quickly made up into a useful chaser, putting experience to good use when landing 2m Chepstow event in the mud in November. Essentially outclassed in Grade 2 latest.

Form: 1P7-215

Vado Forte³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: T Lacey| OR: 132| D

7/1

Proved better than ever when winning 8-runner handicap chase at Doncaster early in December but not in same form on the back of a 5 lb rise there 17 days later. Place claims if bouncing back.

Form: 32-3614

Beaufort West¹¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Page Fuller| T: A Irvine| OR: 128| D

16/1

Scored twice following a wind operation early last year and probably needed the run after 9 months off when eighth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Chepstow in October. Makes chase bow for new yard.

Form: 2P/011-8

High Up In The Air²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-4| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 120| D

11/8

Progressing in leaps and bounds sent chasing this season and completed hat-trick under a penalty with the minimum of fuss at Plumpton. This demands more but he hasn't finished improving.

Form: 57-6111

Forecasts

High Up In The Air (11/8), Dostal Phil (7/4), Vado Forte (7/1), Antunes (7/1), Beaufort West (16/1)

DOSTAL PHIL looked an above-average prospect when scoring first time up over fences at Newbury last month, travelling powerfully throughout and impressing how quickly he put the race to bed. He's sure to win more races and can follow up here. High Up In The Air hasn't finished improving yet and rates as the main threat to the selection after a recent hat-trick, ahead of Antunes.