Virgin Bet Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:34 | Winning time: 7m 19.42s

Young Offender^p⁵⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-1| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: S Edmunds| OR: 121| D

9/4

Hurdles winner who impressed when making a successful switch to chasing at Chepstow (26f) in October, forging clear. Extended 30f may have stretched him at Exeter and he's worth another chance.

Form: 8042-16

Docpickedme^p²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: J M Quinlan| T: H Whittington| OR: 118| C

3/1

Fairly useful 20f winner over hurdles who got back on the up at fourth attempt over fences here (20f) in December, responding well. Type to do better still now stamina is tested further again.

Form: 51-3351

Mr Harp⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Alain Cawley| T: T Gallagher| OR: 117| C

5/1

Fairly useful hurdler who was strictly below his best when midfield in 12-runner Haydock handicap recently, rallying gradually. Goes chasing now and the assessor has relinquished his grip.

Form: 224-555

Bubbles Of Gold^p²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 113

10/1

Winning Irish pointer who got off the mark over hurdles at Warwick back in early-2019. Never threatened on back of 33 months off here (20f) in December and market may prove best guide now chasing.

Form: 62321/4

Bretney^p¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: T J O'Brien| T: H D Daly| OR: 97| BF| C

5/2

Found plenty for pressure when shedding maiden tag over 3m here in December and matched that form when second at Doncaster (26f) subsequently. Should give another good account.

Form: P3-3312

Forecasts

Young Offender (9/4), Bretney (5/2), Docpickedme (3/1), Mr Harp (5/1), Bubbles Of Gold (10/1)

An impressive winner at Chepstow on chasing bow in October, YOUNG OFFENDER seemingly found the extended 30f stretching his stamina at Exeter thereafter and now back down in trip he could well be worth siding with to get back to winning ways. Recent course winner Docpickedme and Bretney, who also arrives in very good nick, are others fancied to be in the shake up.