Behind Bars Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 5m 14.40s

Java Point^t³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 121

2/1

Fairly useful winning hurdler for Kim Bailey who left yard/chase debut effort in his wake when edged out only by a well-treated sort at Doncaster (19f) in December. Raised 4 lb but claims once more.

Form: 2215-02

Isolate⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Liam Harrison⁽³⁾| T: A King| OR: 120

4/1

Has taken well to chasing, getting off the mark at third attempt at Kempton (18f) in October. Hasn't quite scaled same heights either start since but better showing certainly not ruled out.

Form: 332164

Une De La Seniere^t⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 119| C| D

16/1

Three-time winner over hurdles in the last year and showed aptitude for chasing before finding little when fourth of 5 in handicap at Southwell in November. Could improve on that.

Form: 12-3144

Wildfire Warrior³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 118| C

5/1

Off the mark at second attempt over hurdles despite some erratic jumping over 21f here last winter. Hasn't convinced in that department this term so switch to chasing needs to have positive effect now

Form: 24/31-65

Jimmy The Digger⁶⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: R Patrick| T: H D Daly| OR: 118| C| D

7/2

Bumper/hurdles winner who looked one to keep on side when scoring over fences at Uttoxeter (20.8f) in July. Similar form when third at Market Rasen in November and eased 2 lb since. Respected.

Form: 23-1133

Method Madness^h³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Alex Edwards⁽³⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 117| C

8/1

Made winning yard/hurdles debut here (15.7f) 11 months ago and not disgraced next 2 starts last term. Hasn't scaled same heights in 2 starts this winter and switched to chasing now.

Form: 2142-75

Fanamix⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Ben Jones| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 110

25/1

Winning pointer who showed promise when third in a maiden hurdle (20f) on yard bow in November. Pulled up at Haydock (3m) next time but likely his future lies in this sphere. One to note now chasing.

Form: 711P-3P

Forecasts

Java Point (2/1), Jimmy The Digger (7/2), Isolate (4/1), Wildfire Warrior (5/1), Method Madness (8/1), Une De La Seniere (16/1), Fanamix (25/1)

A winner over hurdles last term, JAVA POINT stepped up on his yard/chase debut effort when runner-up to a resurgent sort at Doncaster in December and a repeat should see him firmly in the mix again. Jimmy The Digger and Isolate may be the pair to give him most to think about.