GG's Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 19:00 | Winning time: 4m 57.9s

Samba Dancer¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Liam Harrison⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 114| BF| D

9/4

Progressed well over hurdles last season, completing the hat-trick at Cheltenham (16.4f) in October. Solid enough return to action when third at Worcester (2m) earlier this month and he's an intriguing chase debutant.

Form: 21110-3

Pencreek^t¹⁹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Luca Morgan⁽³⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 114

13/2

Fairly useful hurdles winner who ran to a similar level when third on chase debut at Kempton (18f) in October, albeit not entirely convincing. Pulled up at Worcester the following month but returns with yard in decent nick.

Form: 30/143P-

Balkardy^p²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Isabel Williams⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 109

11/4

Hurdles winner who is going the right way over fences, off the mark at Plumpton (19.7f) in April prior to following up at Fontwell (21.6f) 24 days ago. Drop back in trip a plus on balance and he's of interest in hat-trick bid.

Form: 54531-1

The Boola Boss²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: S Bowen| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 101

13/8

Placed on second of 2 starts in points and some promise in handful of hurdle starts spread over 6 months, third on handicap debut at Worcester (20f) 23 days ago. Progress not ruled out now chasing and interesting if strong in the betting.

Form: 2/3386-3

Forecasts

The Boola Boss (13/8), Samba Dancer (9/4), Balkardy (11/4), Pencreek (13/2)

BALKARDY has made a bright start over fences, making it 2 wins from 3 starts at Fontwell 24 days ago. On that evidence, this ease back down in trip rates a plus and he gets the nod to continue the good work and complete the hat-trick. Samba Dancer, on chase debut may emerge as the chief threat.