Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 17:30 | Winning time: 7m 37.8s

Beatthebullet^b1⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr James King| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 126

100/1

Dual point/25f hurdles winner who jumped better than 2 rivals to make a winning chase debut in November. Well held both starts since and right up against it on these terms.

Form: 6P2-15P

Braeside^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr R James| T: G Elliott| OR: 148

20/1

Has garnered plenty of experience over the larger obstacles, his sole success coming in handicap company at Cork in October. Relative test of speed against him at Navan and stamina his forte.

Form: 26-14P3

Pats Fancy³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr B O'Neill| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 143

11/1

Has left hurdles form trailing in its wake over fences this term, winning a brace of Chepstow handicaps (23.6f) in December before finding only a top prospect too good at Newbury. Thorough stayer.

Form: 06-4112

Run Wild Fred^b⁷⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr J J Codd| T: G Elliott| OR: 158| BF

15/8

Really turned a corner since fitted with blinkers, making all in 16-runner Troytown Chase before a respectable second in Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novices' Chase. Classy and demands of this will suit.

Form: 222-212

Stattler⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153

2/1

Useful over hurdles but already far better chaser, displaying willing attitude when landing 7-runner Grade 3 at Naas in January (3m). That form already right up there and trip should be within range.

Form: 1343-11

Vanillier^t⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr Derek O'Connor| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 148| C

11/4

Most impressive when landing 16-runner Albert Bartlett a year ago. Hasn't quite hit the heights over fences this season and has work to do with Run Wild Fred and Stattler but he may yet do better.

Form: 14-3133

Non-Runners

Ontheropes⁴⁷

Weight: 11-6| Age: 8

T: W P Mullins J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Run Wild Fred (15/8), Stattler (2/1), Vanillier (11/4), Ontheropes (8/1), Pats Fancy (11/1), Braeside (20/1), Beatthebullet (100/1)

The presence of classy trio RUN WILD FRED, Stattler and Vanillier has diluted the field but separating that trio isn't easy. The first-named runner has plenty of experience over fences to call upon, which could be significant and if he can get into his usual rhythm since fitted with blinkers he will be a tough nut to crack.