John Romans Park Homes 'Rising Stars' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 4m 55.97s

Captain Tom Cat²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 144| D

6/4

Impressive all-the-way winner of his first 3 starts over fences this year. However, he's come up short in better company the last twice and a similar scenario is on the cards here.

Form: 3-11154

Jacamar²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: M F Harris| OR: 130| C| D

13/2

Useful hurdler who bagged decent handicaps at Aintree and at this course last season. However, below par on return at Chepstow and while he may well make a chaser, this is a very tough starting point.

Form: 44180-8

Mick Pastor^h,t¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 147

5/6

Winner of 4 of his 7 starts over fences, the latest a match at Exeter (17.5f) last month. Should make his presence felt, but he lacks the star potential of stablemate Bravemansgame.

Form: 24-1111

Non-Runners

Bravemansgame²⁷

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: P F Nicholls J: Non Runner

Faivoir¹⁵

Weight: 11-2| Age: 6

T: D Skelton J: Non Runner

Goa Lil²⁰

Weight: 11-2| Age: 5

T: N & W Twiston-Davies J: Jordan Nailor

Forecasts

Bravemansgame (4/9), Mick Pastor (5/6), Captain Tom Cat (6/4), Faivoir (13/8), Jacamar (13/2), Goa Lil (15/2)

It's hard to look beyond BRAVEMANSGAME, who was up there with the best in the novice hurdle ranks last season and looks destined for even better things over fences judged on his impressive display at Newton Abbot. Stablemate Mick Pastor and Faivoir can fill the places, in that order of preference.