Royal Air Forces Association Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 14.7s

Oscars Leader^v³^{(ex 7)}

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Page Fuller| T: J Candlish| OR: 117| BF| D

6/4

Dual hurdle winner who has taken well to fences, winning at Haydock in January and adding to his tally at Newcastle on Saturday. Should give another good account if over those exertions.

Form: 5-3P1U1

File Illico^p²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 115| D

15/8

Second chase success when rallying well in first-time cheekpieces to get the better of a next-time-out winner at Wetherby (2m, heavy) in January. Creditable third at Ffos Las since. Leading claims.

Form: 6-14613

Pride Of Lecale¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: C Brace| T: F O'Brien| OR: 112| D

2/1

Veteran who defied market weakness to open chase account in a first-time hood at FFos Las (2m) in January. Shaped as if still in good form when fourth back there since. Hood worn last twice left off.

Form: 5/PP-P14

Forecasts

Oscars Leader (6/4), File Illico (15/8), Pride Of Lecale (2/1)

A case can be made for all 3 in a trappy little heat. FILE ILLICO has reacted well to cheekpieces and is preferred to Oscars Leader given this comes very quick on the back of that one's tenacious success at Newcastle on Saturday.