bet365 Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 6m 19.48s

Ashtown Lad²⁰²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 135| C| D

6/4

Major step forward when bolting up on handicap debut in November. Couple of heavy defeats after but had a wind op and back on his game when fourth at Aintree. Likely to make a better chaser.

Form: 2115P4-

Barbados Buck's²²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| D

10/11

Big-money buy from Irish points and completed hat-trick over hurdles in emphatic style in 3m Kempton novice in January. Disappointing in the Albert Bartlett but chasing will see him in a better light.

Form: 5/21110-

Buzz De Turcoing²³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: James Bowen| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 123| BF| D

18/1

Proved suited by the longer trip when off the mark in 6-runner maiden at Haydock (22.8f) in December. Underperformed when last seen in March and lacks the class of a few now chasing up in trip.

Form: 20/3147-

Deluxe Range¹⁹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 123

8/1

Hasn't done much wrong since switched to hurdles, off the mark at Kelso in December and good efforts in defeat after. Ex-Irish pointer so should make a chaser, but this looks a tough introduction.

Form: 521323-

Non-Runners

Ahoy Senor²⁰³

Weight: 11-2| Age: 6

T: Miss Lucinda V Russell J: D R Fox

Forecasts

Barbados Buck's (10/11), Ahoy Senor (1/1), Ashtown Lad (6/4), Deluxe Range (8/1), Buzz De Turcoing (18/1)

A trio of smashing chase prospects in the shape of AHOY SENOR, Barbados Buck's and Ashtown Lad. The first-named runner was talented enough to win a Grade 1 on just his second hurdle start last spring and everything about him suggests he will do even better over the larger obstacles. He has to get the vote.