Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 1.35s

Sceau Royal⁶³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: James Bowen| T: A King| OR: 163| BF| CD

2/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser who took this event 12 months ago. Turned in a rare poor effort in International Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, but he's very much the sort to bounce back here.

Form: 53-1136

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Sky Pirate^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 157| D

8/1

Yet to add to last year's Grand Annual Chase success but he's posted four solid efforts this term, runner-up in 2m Warwick handicap last time. Firmly in the mix once more.

Form: 21-2432

Funambule Sivola¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 154| CD

9/4

Four-time scorer last term who proved well suited by the return to 2m when back to winning ways in Doncaster handicap 15 days ago. Likeable front-runner who can do better still. Big player.

Form: 112-291

Hitman^t⁷⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 160| C| D

85/40

Course winner who comes here on back of excellent second to stable-mate Greaneteen in Tingle Creek at Sandown. Still low mileage and goes well fresh too, so he can't be discounted after his break.

Form: 2F13-22

Non-Runners

Editeur Du Gite⁶³

Weight: 11-4| Age: 8

T: G & J Moore J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Sceau Royal (2/1), Hitman (85/40), Funambule Sivola (9/4), Editeur Du Gite (6/1), Sky Pirate (8/1)

A case can be made for all of the quartet, but FUNAMBULE SIVOLA is a really likeable sort who still has more to offer at the minimum trip and he is taken to follow up his recent Doncaster success. Last year's victor Sceau Royal wasn't at his best over hurdles last time but still rates a big threat back chasing, while both Sky Pirate and Hitman can have a say too in a fascinating Game Spirit.