13:20 Cheltenham

Saturday 29 January 2022

All12:1512:4513:2013:5514:3015:0515:4016:15

Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:22 | Winning time: 5m 16.55s

Imperial Alcazar^t³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 144| D

9/1

Useful hurdler who has made a satisfactory start over fences, runner-up on both occasions (switched to a handicap at Chepstow last time). Jumping requires some refining but he's one for the shortlist.

Form: 1/910-22

Solo^t³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 139

8/1

One-time exciting hurdler who got back on track switched to fences after a wind op when runner-up on first 2 starts this term. Not disgraced upped in grade since so could feature back in a handicap.

Form: 040-223

Oscar Elite^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Brendan Powell| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 137

4/1

Useful hurdler who was in the mix when coming to grief 3 out on return/chase debut here in November. Not gone on from that since but on a potentially lenient mark with yard back amongst the winners.

Form: 323-F34

When You're Ready^p³³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130| BF

11/2

Generally progressive over hurdles last season and all the better for chase debut when scoring at Chepstow last month. Similar form albeit not with the same fluency when runner-up since so respected.

Form: 13-8312

Beakstown^p,t¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁵⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 130| D

6/1

Back to form after a disappointing effort over C&D last month when runner-up at Doncaster 18 days ago, though typically letting himself down off the bridle (carried head awkwardly). Others preferred.

Form: 435/392

Java Point^t¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 127| D

7/1

Fairly useful winning hurdler for Kim Bailey who justified support to get score at the third attempt over fences at Ludlow earlier this month. Upped in grade and a career best required to feature.

Form: 215-021

Your Darling³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 126

4/1

Bumper winner who tasted success over hurdles in May and surpassed that with chase debut win at Huntingdon in October. Previous weak finishing tendencies displayed last time so tough to support.

Form: 34-1153

Goa Lil¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 124| D

12/1

Been in good form in handicaps, both in this sphere and over hurdles. Somewhat fortuitous to gain a third win of busy campaign at Newbury 10 days ago but warrants respect nonetheless up just 2 lb.

Form: 121231

Forecasts

Oscar Elite (4/1), Your Darling (4/1), When You're Ready (11/2), Beakstown (6/1), Java Point (7/1), Solo (8/1), Imperial Alcazar (9/1), Goa Lil (12/1)

It's fair to say that OSCAR ELITE's chasing career hasn't got off to the best of starts, crashing out 3 from home when looking sure to have a say in proceedings back in November. With his latest effort excused and the yard back firing, he gets the verdict to make a winning start to life in handicaps. Imperial Alcazar and When You're Ready look the main dangers in a competitive renewal.