Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 4m 25.60s

Minella Plus^h²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 121| D

1/2

Completed a hat-trick over hurdles to end 2021. Lost his way at the beginning of the current year but took a step back in the right direction with a hood refitted when third at Uttoxeter 23 days ago. Back down in trip for chase debut and seems sure to build on that.

Form: 11344-3

Eskendash^t⁷⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Thomas Willmott⁽³⁾| T: Miss J E Foster| OR: 118| D

11/1

Snapped a long losing run under a typically astute Hughes ride in a 4-runner claimer at Catterick on debut for this yard in March. Second of 4 back over fences at Sedgefield 9 weeks later but was well back over hurdles at Cartmel in July. Remains a maiden in this sphere.

Form: 5231-20

Diamond State^t1¹⁶²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 115| D

2/1

Started last campaign with 2 handicap hurdle wins at Musselburgh and placed next 3 starts there. Fell at Kelso and ran below form at Perth when last seen in April. Makes chase debut back down in trip in a first-time tongue strap.

Form: 1223F4-

Non-Runners

Saint Arvans²⁴

Weight: 11-7| Age: 8

T: M A Barnes J: Sean Quinlan

Forecasts

Minella Plus (1/2), Saint Arvans (6/4), Diamond State (2/1), Eskendash (11/1)

MINELLA PLUS took a big step back in the right direction ridden with more restraint than suits when third on his reappearance at Uttoxeter 23 days ago, and looks sure to build on that now switched to fences, so he's a confident selection to come out on top. Saint Arvans has already proven himself a better chaser than hurdler and should give another good account.