Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 5m 35.65s

Diese Des Bieffes⁶⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 135| D

5/1

Useful novice hurdler for Nicky Henderson in 2017/18, winning 3 times. Held when carried out on chase/yard debut at Wincanton in December but entitled to come on from that.

Form: 12551/P

Falco Blitz⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 132

15/8

Built on promise of chase debut when very good second of 10 in handicap at Kempton (20.5f, good to soft) 58 days ago. Should progress and is a leading contender.

Form: 2415-52

Samarquand^h,t1⁴⁹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Lorcan Murtagh⁽³⁾| T: H Fry| OR: 131

16/1

Winning hurdler who acquitted himself well when third on chase debut at Plumpton 16 months ago. Not seen since, however, and market will prove best guide to claims. Tongue strap on first time.

Form: 113P/3-

Quoi De Neuf⁷⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 131| BF| D

9/4

Point winner who bettered his hurdles form at first attempt in this sphere when runner-up at Aintree in November. Not in same form latest but it's still early days and he must enter calculations.

Form: 24B0-26

Quartz Du Rheu⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 125

15/2

Useful and consistent hurdler for Willie Mullins. Unable to get competitive in 2 runs over fences for new yard before Christmas but likely capable of better at some point. Worth a market check.

Form: 2405-56

Diamond Fort¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-8| J: C Brace| T: F O'Brien| OR: 121| D

10/1

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser but below par on sole start over fences this season and finished well held in bumper since.

Form: 5/F33-56

Forecasts

Falco Blitz (15/8), Quoi De Neuf (9/4), Diese Des Bieffes (5/1), Quartz Du Rheu (15/2), Diamond Fort (10/1), Samarquand (16/1)

FALCO BLITZ ran a cracker in a more competitive event at Kempton on Boxing Day and remains open to improvement. He can get off the mark over fences. Quoi de Neuf rates the chief threat.