Robin Spencer Appreciation And Retirement Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 3m 53.21s

Light N Strike¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: J R Wildman⁽¹⁰⁾| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 124

13/8

Consistent rather than progressive hurdler but has quickly progressed over fences, off the mark at second attempt in this sphere at Plumpton (17f) recently. Merits respect, despite going up 8 lb.

Form: 533-221

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Isolate²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 122| BF| D

18/5

Has taken well to fences, proving 8 lengths too good for Light N Strike on third chase start at Kempton (2¼m) last month. Too bad to be true over the same C&D next time and well worth another chance.

Form: 8-33216

Heartbreak Kid²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 120

5/1

Dual hurdles winner who took a step firmly back in the right direction when third in a 10-runner Sedgefield handicap chase (19.3f). 1 lb lower now and leading claims for in-form yard.

Form: 1/1242-3

Across The Line^t¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 120| D

2/1

Dual novice hurdle winner who stepped up on chase debut effort when runner-up in a first-time tongue tie at Worcester (16.5f) 18 days ago. On a good mark and he's high on the shortlist.

Form: 4123-52

Silver Star¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: James Best| T: A Sadik| OR: 117| D

150/1

First run since leaving Gordon Elliott when third of 4 in handicap (100/1) at Wolverhampton (12.2f) 1 day ago. Switches from Flat to chase. Fairly useful hurdler, pulled up on last chase outing.

Form: 0-24F3P

Forecasts

Light N Strike (13/8), Across The Line (2/1), Isolate (18/5), Heartbreak Kid (5/1), Silver Star (150/1)

This looks competitive, despite the small field. HEARTBREAK KID failed to build on his chase debut promise last season, but he got back on track when third on return at Sedgefield and, likely to strip fitter now and with this drop back in trip a plus, he gets the nod. Across The Line figures on an appealing mark and is second choice ahead of Light N Strike and Isolate.