JPR Phoenix Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:11 | Winning time: 4m 1.90s

Wild Max^t¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 133| D

4/9

Fairly useful hurdler who made a much better fist of his second attempt over fences when beating the useful Hang In There in 3-runner event at Newton Abbot 12 days ago. Can't be opposed under a penalty.

Form: 0P432-1

Boston Joe^t1¹⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: Miss R Curtis

14/1

Placed in points but mad eminimal impact in a bumper and novice/maiden hurdles last season. Up against it on chase debut.

Form: U38/57-

Timberman^h,t1⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| D

9/4

Fairly useful hurdler won twice in 2021/22, though ended the season in a slightly tame manner. Nevertheless, clearly has the ability to give the favourite something to think about on chase debut.

Form: 143145-

Vanderbilt¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: James Davies| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 79

100/1

Remains a maiden after 58 starts and didn't look to have found any improvement on chasing debut at Sedgefield 13 days ago.

Form: 48433-4

Forecasts

Wild Max (4/9), Timberman (9/4), Boston Joe (14/1), Vanderbilt (100/1)

Effectively a match between WILD MAX and Timberman, and preference goes to Paul Nicholls' representative, who was a slightly superior hurdler to his main rival and already has the benefit of winning chase experiences. Timberman should also prove in a different league to the other 2 runners, with Boston Joe perhaps possessing more potential of those.