Hexham Racecourse Membership An Ideal Xmas Present Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:40 | Winning time: 6m 47.58s

Doyen Breed^p¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 130| BF| D

13/8

Bumper winner who cemented positive start for new yard last winter when landing 3m handicap hurdle at Ayr in March. Pleasing reappearance when runner-up at Kelso so not dismissed on chase debut.

Form: 22125-2

Emitom²²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: W Greatrex| OR: 143| D

11/8

Smart hurdler who was good fourth to Lisnagar Oscar in 2020 Stayers' at Cheltenham. Promising chase debut last year but not so good in 3 subsequent outings, twice over hurdles. The one to beat here.

Form: 14/236P-

J'Ai Froid^v²²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Max Kendrick| T: L Morgan| OR: 147| D

16/5

Strong stayer who's made a fine start for his current yard, completing four-timer at Warwick in March. Improved another chunk when runner-up in Grade 3 a month later and he's respected on chase bow.

Form: 411112-

Metal Man²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Nathan Moscrop⁽³⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 122

20/1

Fairly useful hurdler but little to shout about in 3 beginners chases in Ireland. Placed twice on the Flat for current yard but latest effort raised concerns over his attitude. Easy to look elsewhere.

Form: 1P-4989

Forecasts

Emitom (11/8), Doyen Breed (13/8), J'Ai Froid (16/5), Metal Man (20/1)

This looks a good opportunity for EMITOM to open his account over fences. He should make at least as good a chaser as hurdler, and, provided he's ready to roll, gets the vote to build on his debut promise in this sphere at the second attempt. The obvious threat is J'Ai Froid, who proved a revelation for Laura Morgan earlier this year and is an exciting prospect over the larger obstacles.