Grundon Waste Management Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 17:21 | Winning time: 5m 7.75s

Salley Gardens^p,t³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 115| D

3/1

Building up a good strike rate, jumping soundly when off the mark at first attempt in this sphere at Southwell (20.4f) in June. Found only one too good over extended 22f here last month and he looks sure to go well again.

Form: 112-312

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

London Eye^b1³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: J E Moore| T: C A Dwyer| OR: 108

7/1

Largely consistent over hurdles following a Worcester maiden victory last summer and whilst below his best when fourth on chase debut back at that venue last month, he did jump okay. May come on for that now fitted with blinkers.

Form: 2P4-324

Punxsutawney Phil^p⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Henry Brooke| T: B Ellison| OR: 107| BF

2/1

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner who bumped into a progressive sort when runner-up on chase bow here (19.5f) in July. Unseated first at Bangor (17.3f) 7 days ago but he remains with potential in this sphere and yard in good form.

Form: 455-42U

Cremant^p,t³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: K Brogan| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 101| BF| C

7/4

Won an Aintree handicap hurdle (20f) in June and he's run with credit both starts since returning to chasing, one paced latter stages when runner-up over 19.5f here in July. Eased further 1 lb and he should continue in form.

Form: 27-3133

Forecasts

Cremant (7/4), Punxsutawney Phil (2/1), Salley Gardens (3/1), London Eye (7/1)

SALLEY GARDENS is building up a good strike rate over jumps and, having opened his chase account at Southwell, he ran well when second to one firmly on the up over further here in July. He looks sure to go well again and earns the vote. Punxsutawney Phil got no further than the first at Bangor last week but remains with potential in this sphere and may well emerge next best, ahead of Cremant.