Mental Health Matters Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:00 | Winning time: 6m 2.07s

Birchdale⁷¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 141

10/11

Proved to be a disappointment over fences previously but did shape well without being seen to best effect when sixth in Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March. Progress not ruled out just yet in this sphere

Form: 38/U636-

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Neville's Cross²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: T Lacey| OR: 127| BF| D

9/1

Did well over hurdles last season, winning twice at up to 25.5f. Strong in betting prior to falling on chase debut at Market Rasen (23.8f) earlier this month but he's worth another chance on balance.

Form: 11603-F

Eglantine Du Seuil^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 138| BF

5/2

Smart hurdler for Willie Mullins who ran best race for this yard when second in a listed mares' handicap at Cheltenham in April. Encouraging second on chase debut at Fontwell since and big player here

Form: 23502-2

Proper Ticket²⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 127| D

8/1

Point winner who went right in handicaps over hurdles last year, landing pair of mares' handicaps at up to 22.7f. Good second in novice at Perth (20f) final start but this a tough chase introduction.

Form: 3541/12-

Yeavering Belle^p1⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 126| D

16/1

Has struggled subsequent to landing a Ludlow handicap hurdle in October, and hopes pinned on combination of first-time cheekpieces and switch to fences sparking a revival here.

Form: 2P10P8-

Forecasts

Birchdale (10/11), Eglantine Du Seuil (5/2), Proper Ticket (8/1), Neville's Cross (9/1), Yeavering Belle (16/1)

A smart hurdler at her best, EGLANTINE DU SEUIL showed definite promise when runner-up in a 3-runner novice chase at Fontwell (19.5f) earlier this month. There's a little room for improvement in her jumping and she can build on that and come out on top. Birchdale may yet do better in this sphere and is worth a second look, along with Neville's Cross.