Virgin Bet Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:26 | Winning time: 4m 18.26s

Heartbreak Kid^b¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 124| D

11/2

Made the most of what turned into a good opportunity to get off the mark at the eighth attempt over fences at Sedgefield 13 days ago. 7 lb rise to contend with but yard are enjoying a terrific season.

Form: 2-33421

Magic Dancer^p,t³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Daire James McConville⁽¹⁰⁾| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 122| D

7/2

Multiple hurdles winner and perfect start over fences on return at Worcester (16.5f). Runner-up next couple of starts and wasn't disgraced stepping back up in trip at Leicester last month.

Form: 2-12235

Chazza^t⁹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: C Gethings| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 119

6/1

Point winner who landed 2m Bangor maiden hurdle. Failed to complete sent chasing after 6 months off (had breathing op) at Bangor in November and this should reveal what ability remains.

Form: 120P-PF

Star Academy⁷⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Harry Bannister| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 119

7/2

Progressed with each start over hurdles but didn't last long sent chasing after 11 months off, departing at the first back in November. May feature if none the worse from that spill.

Form: 8/532-F

Le Ligerien^t²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 117| D

11/2

Useful hurdler at his peak and opened account over fences from reduced mark in 2m Chepstow handicap on heavy last month. Not in same at Lingfield since so needs to bounce back quickly to feature.

Form: 8-41813

Oscars Leader^p²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Callum Bewley| T: J Candlish| OR: 117| D

7/2

Fairly useful 17f hurdles winner who confirmed promise of chasing debut at the second attempt when making all at Haydock 3 weeks ago. Nudged up just 3 lb and looks sure to go well again.

Form: 325-3P1

Non-Runners

Higgs³⁸

Weight: 11-0| Age: 9

T: S-J Davies J: W T Kennedy

Forecasts

Magic Dancer (7/2), Star Academy (7/2), Oscars Leader (7/2), Heartbreak Kid (11/2), Le Ligerien (11/2), Chazza (6/1), Higgs (25/1)

OSCARS LEADER already looks as good at chasing as hurdling so Jennie Candlish's charge is taken to supplement his recent success at Haydock on the back of just a 3 lb rise in the weights. The main danger could be Heartbreak Kid, who belatedly opened his account in this sphere last time. Both Star Academy and Chazza departed early on their chase debuts so any market support may prove significant.