Balnakeilly (Novices' Limited Handicap) Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 4m 57.76s

Morning Vicar¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 133| D

7/4

Been disappointing since winning Newbury handicap chase over this trip in November, not taking to the National Course in the Topham last time. This easier at least.

Form: F-2178U

Fire Away^p1⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: R P McLernon| T: L Morgan| OR: 129| D

2/1

A total revelation for this yard this year, justifying favouritism in 3 handicap chases, mistakes but still drawing clear at Catterick last time. Cheekpieces on and wise to think he hasn't peaked.

Form: 07P111

Collooney^t³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 127

9/2

Won 19.2f Fontwell handicap hurdle in the mud on return, readily coming clear. Not seen to best effect since, not knocked about on second run over fences at Chepstow last time. Could do better.

Form: 62-1PP4

Captain Blackpearl^t³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 127| BF| D

4/1

Has had jumping issues since his successful chasing debut at Kempton on return, yet to be asked for effort when unseated rider thirteenth (secure to that point) at Haydock 4 weeks ago.

Form: 44-123U

Non-Runners

Broken Quest²

Weight: 11-5| Age: 9

T: M Sheppard J: Non Runner

Mint Gold²⁰

Weight: 11-0| Age: 7

T: Miss Lucinda V Russell J: D R Fox

Forecasts

Morning Vicar (7/4), Fire Away (2/1), Captain Blackpearl (4/1), Collooney (9/2), Mint Gold (5/1), Broken Quest (8/1)

It's probably wise to think FIRE AWAY hasn't finished improving, and, fitted with cheekpieces back up in trip, the 4-timer is a real possibility in a race where it is easy to pick holes in his rivals. Collooney makes only his third start over fences and could be the danger ahead of Morning Vicar.