Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:21 | Winning time: 3m 51.60s

Byzantine Empire^t²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: C Brace| T: F O'Brien| OR: 127| D

5/4

Proved largely consistent over hurdles and made an impressive winning start to his chasing career after 12 weeks off in 4-runner handicap chase at Southwell, beating Restandbethankful by 7 lengths (well on top finish). More to come in this sphere and can defy 8 lb rise.

Form: 14533-1

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Restandbethankful^t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Adrian Heskin| T: O Murphy| OR: 127| CD

9/4

Bumper winner who gained third victory over hurdles in a Huntingdon handicap in December. Well below that level next 2 starts but resumed progress after 3 months off when 7 lengths second of 4 to Byzantine Empire on chase bow at Southwell. 8 lb better off with winner here so needs considering.

Form: 671P7-2

Don Diablo^h⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: G Elliott| OR: 125| D

16/1

Fairly useful hurdler but well held all 3 starts this season after over a year off, including over fences last twice.

Form: 3/1F-P47

The Greek^t⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: G Elliott| OR: 125| D

11/4

Fairly useful hurdler who ran to a similar level sent chasing when fourth of 8 in novice chase at Tipperary (16.8f, soft, 12/1), though wouldn't be sure to build on that given his recent record.

Form: 1P8-084

Forecasts

Byzantine Empire (5/4), Restandbethankful (9/4), The Greek (11/4), Don Diablo (16/1)

BYZANTINE EMPIRE was well on top at the finish when making an impressive winning start over fences at Southwell so is taken to finish in front of Restandbethankful again despite an 8 lb swing in the weights.