Cazoo Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:06 | Winning time: 6m 14.3s

Butler's Brief¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: A Ralph| OR: 120| BF

6/4

Fairly useful hurdler who was back to form when second at Bangor 16 days ago. Let down by jumping on sole previous chase outing but shouldn't be dismissed.

Form: PP56-32

Morgenstern^p⁸^{(ex 7)}

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Philip Armson⁽⁵⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 108

3/1

3/1, career best when winning 4-runner handicap chase at Newton Abbot (21f, good) 8 days ago. That wasn't much of a race, but he's still respected under a penalty.

Form: 1B-2251

Decoration Of War¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Charlie Hammond| T: M Young| OR: 109| C

16/5

Dual AW Flat winner and has displayed surprising levels of stamina over hurdles, winning twice, including at this course in September. Should strip fitter for recent chasing/seasonal debut at Bangor. Considered.

Form: 32114-3

Aviewtosea^t1⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Kielan Woods| T: F O'Brien| OR: 107

9/2

Landed a Bangor maiden hurdle last spring but it has been all downhill since. Hopes pinned on switch to chasing/first-time tongue tie sparking a revival.

Form: 71/4P5P-

Forecasts

Butler's Brief (6/4), Morgenstern (3/1), Decoration Of War (16/5), Aviewtosea (9/2)

BUTLER'S BRIEF jumped poorly on his previous try over fences but he might be better prepared this time and returned to form on his latest hurdling outing, so he gets the marginal vote over recent Newton Abbot winner Morgenstern.