Dick Saunders Novices' Hunters' Chase

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 6m 11.32s

Back Bar¹⁸

7/2

One-time fair hurdler (for Gordon Elliott) who is better known for his pointing exploits, and has been in good order lately, so one to note for a yard that does well in hunters.

Form: P3-21P2

Bingo Star^p1²⁵⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr S Lee⁽⁷⁾| T: Stuart Morris

18/1

Unseated on his only outing under Rules almost a year ago and, while he's a 5-time winner in points, he might well need this first outing since last summer.

Form: 3/U21-22

Drakes Well^p²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Alice Stevens⁽⁵⁾| T: F Hutsby| OR: 117

6/4

Fair and consistent hurdler/chaser for David Bridgwater who should strip fitter for his recent reappearance in points. Definite player.

Form: 213235

Hotel Du Nord³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Charlie Sprake⁽⁷⁾| T: W Biddick| OR: 112

2/1

Fair hurdler/chaser for Jessica Harrington. Latest Rules effort (in hunter at Cheltenham 9 months ago) was a bit underwhelming but he's shown his well-being in points recently. Considered.

Form: 37/12-42

Path To Freedom^p,t⁴⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr John Dawson| T: Mrs C Coward| OR: 91

10/1

Modest chaser who wasn't disgraced in a handicap at Catterick last time, but he's likely to be outclassed by at least one of his rivals.

Form: 22-4754

Non-Runners

Fiddler Of Dooney³²

Weight: 11-12| Age: 9

T: J P Owen J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Drakes Well (6/4), Hotel Du Nord (2/1), Back Bar (7/2), Fiddler Of Dooney (8/1), Path To Freedom (10/1), Bingo Star (18/1)

DRAKES WELL was consistent under Rules last season and, fit from a run in points, he gets the tentative vote in this tricky hunter. Back Bar has been running well between the flags and is partnered by one of the more experienced riders, so he's respected, while Hotel du Nord also has the ability to make his presence felt.