13:25 Newbury

Wednesday 15 December 2021

All12:2012:5013:2514:0014:3515:0515:35

Prodec Networks Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 6m 8.25s

Colonial Dreams²⁵⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 135

11/1

Raced sparingly in recent seasons but ended last season in fine form, collared only by a stronger stayer over hurdles at Haydock (3m) in April. Interesting what the market makes of him now chasing.

Form: 186/032-

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Barnaviddaun²⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Brendan Powell| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 135

16/1

Progressive Irish hurdler for Thomas Mullins but broke a blood vessel when pulled up on debut for new stable at Aintree 8 months ago. Very much a chaser on looks and yard do well in this sphere.

Form: 21/421P-

Quartz Du Rheu⁶²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 129| D

9/2

Arrives in grand order, making it 3 wins from his last 4 starts at Carlisle (24.5f) in October, largely jumping well and quickening to lead run-in. Expected to be thereabouts again from 2 lb higher.

Form: 451121

I K Brunel³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Adrian Heskin| T: O Murphy| OR: 127

10/3

Dual hurdles winner who wasn't far off the pick of his chase form when third of 5 in a Carlisle novices' handicap (20f) last month. 3 lb lower now and not discounted back up in trip.

Form: 23807-3

Valsheda²⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 122| D

3/1

Low-mileage 6-y-o who showed benefit of hurdles debut experience when landing an Exeter novice (23f) in March, understandably still looking raw. Likely more to come now chasing.

Form: 21-

The Macon Lugnatic¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-4| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 117| C

10/1

Recorded third success over hurdles at Ffos Las (20f) in May. Exploits have been mixed over fences more recently, though had yet to be asked for his effort when falling at Doncaster latest.

Form: 316P4F

Tide Times³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: C J Todd⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 114

10/3

Successful from 1 lb lower mark over hurdles at Ascot (23.5f) last winter. Lost way thereafter but firmly back on track when second over fences last month, mistake last arguably costing him. Player.

Form: 18P6-82

Non-Runners

Beatthebullet²⁴

Weight: 11-3| Age: 7

T: Miss R Curtis J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Valsheda (3/1), I K Brunel (10/3), Tide Times (10/3), Quartz Du Rheu (9/2), Beatthebullet (5/1), The Macon Lugnatic (10/1), Colonial Dreams (11/1), Barnaviddaun (16/1)

TIDE TIMES rather lost his way over hurdles but he took a step firmly in the right direction when second on chase debut at Market Rasen last month, travelling well and undone by a mistake at the last. This is tougher but he's open to further improvement in this sphere and earns the vote. Low-mileage 6-y-o Valsheda, on chase debut, and Quartz du Rheu, who arrives in fine form, head the dangers.