Tom Malone Bloodstock Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:37 | Winning time: 6m 7.2s

Ask Dillon^p¹⁷⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 148| D

11/4

Smart handicap hurdler last season, signing off with success at Cheltenham (3m) in April. Fell on return/chase debut last term (gambled on) but still the sort to do well over fences. Interesting.

Form: 422461-

Does He Know^h²⁰⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 142| D

4/1

Progressed nicely over hurdles last term, a hat-trick of victories culminating in Cheltenham Gr 2. Creditable fifth in Grade 1 Ballymore final start and likely to make his mark in this sphere.

Form: 111R85-

Honest Vic^v²⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: R Patrick| T: H D Daly| OR: 150| D

12/1

Progressive over timber in a visor, landing Pertemps qualifier at Cheltenham (3m) 12 months ago. Confined to just 2 starts thereafter, well held in jumpers bumper in February.

Form: 415/150-

Threeunderthrufive¹⁷⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 141| C| D

10/11

Useful hurdler last term, boasting 4 wins from 5 starts either side of a solid sixth in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham. Promises to do even better now chasing. Exciting.

Form: 1/11161-

Forecasts

Threeunderthrufive (10/11), Ask Dillon (11/4), Does He Know (4/1), Honest Vic (12/1)

An intriguing novice chase with all 4 arriving with interesting profiles, not least THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE. An upwardly-mobile hurdler boasting 4 wins from 5 starts, he's just the type to excel over fences and could be the answer. Ask Dillon, who ended last term with success over hurdles at Cheltenham, is feared most.