bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:41 | Winning time: 5m 13.75s

Presentandcounting²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 141| D

10/1

Has impressed since switched to fences, making it 5 wins in Stratford novice in September. Running creditably when falling 2 out at Ayr last time, so claims if he's none the worse for that.

Form: 11113F

Beakstown^p,t²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 135| D

10/3

Tricky customer (often finds little) who came in for an astute ride when belatedly opening his account over fences at Ayr 22 days ago. 6 lb rise looks fair, so follow-up not ruled out.

Form: 392261

Flic Ou Voyou^p²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 135

16/5

Posted excellent second of 6 in handicap chase at Sandown in March and was, uncharacteristically, let down by his jumping at Ayr last time. Expected to get back on track.

Form: 53132U

Jacamar^p²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Mitchell Bastyan| T: M F Harris| OR: 135| D

7/1

Off the mark over fences at Kempton on Boxing Day and doubled his tally in an uncompetitive event at Leicester in March. Made mistakes but not disgraced when fourth of 5 in Ayr Grade 2 three weeks ago.

Form: 215514

Brief Ambition^t²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 134| D

9/2

Successful twice over hurdles last year and has taken well to chasing, making it 3 from 3 despite the odd mistake in a 3-runner race at Ludlow 26 days ago. That form has been boosted since, so he looks the one to beat.

Form: 315111

Nelson River⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Bannister| T: A W Carroll| OR: 132

16/1

Caused a surprise when taking 4-runner novice at Leicester on debut over fences and wasn't disgraced when second of 4 in a handicap there 43 days ago. Others looks better treated, however.

Form: 4705-12

Up The Straight³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: James Davies| T: R Rowe| OR: 127| BF| D

9/2

Useful hurdler/chaser who was back on track to some degree when third over fences at Kempton last month. Nicely handicapped if he can build on that.

Form: 5-103P3

Forecasts

Flic Ou Voyou (16/5), Beakstown (10/3), Up The Straight (9/2), Brief Ambition (9/2), Jacamar (7/1), Presentandcounting (10/1), Nelson River (16/1)

BRIEF AMBITION maintained his 100% record over fences when comfortably seeing off Muckamore (successful since) at Ludlow in March and, with further improvement on the cards, he's a solid choice to go in again. Flic Ou Voyou and Beakstown could emerge as the main dangers.