Peter Elvis Allsopp Heavenly Birthday Mares' Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:50 | Winning time: 5m 4.8s

Could Be Trouble^t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Theo Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 122| D

15/8

Joined new yard and made it a 4-timer over hurdles in handicap at Bangor (19.6f) in October. Back in good form in that sphere and respected back chasing.

Form: 1P0322-

Fortunes Melody^p,t²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: H Fry| OR: 120

11/10

Useful hurdler in France. Hasn't hit the same heights yet in Britain, but filled the runner-up spot on 4 of her last 5 starts sent chasing in 2021/22. Can put experience to good use and go one better.

Form: 524222-

Kilmington Rose^b,t²⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 118| C

4/1

Much improved over hurdles since the blinkers went on, making it 4 wins from 5 starts with victory at Newton Abbot (18.5f) in September. Could go well on chase debut after 8 months off.

Form: 2/11121-

Well Briefed²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 95

25/1

Successful between the flags but little to shout about under Rules so far. Looks up against it.

Form: 6P0543-

Wilderness¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: M G Nolan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 89

22/1

Struggled over hurdles during the winter but ran better when runner-up on her Exeter chase debut in March. Backed that up over hurdles when third at Plumpton 19 days ago but plenty more needed here.

Form: 0P8623-

Forecasts

Fortunes Melody (11/10), Could Be Trouble (15/8), Kilmington Rose (4/1), Wilderness (22/1), Well Briefed (25/1)

FORTUNES MELODY can put her experience over fences to good use and get her head in front this time around. A useful hurdler in France, the 5-y-o finished runner-up on 4 of her last 5 starts sent chasing in 2021/22, including when bumping into one over C&D on her penultimate outing. Could Be Trouble is well worth another chance over fences and is feared most.