HR Smith Group Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 3m 59.32s

Mortlach^p,t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 130| BF| D

4/6

Useful form when completing a four-timer over fences at Aintree in June and added to tally in another small-field contest at Newton Abbot. Made the most of a good opportunity back hurdling at Kelso but unable to defy double penalty there next time. Remains of interest back in this sphere.

Form: 1P3112

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Minella Plus^h²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Theo Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 126| D

6/5

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 last 2 starts, making a winning chase bow at Hexham 3 weeks ago. Open to improvement over fences.

Form: 1344-31

Nyoufsea¹²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Benjamin Poste| T: A Sadik| OR: 69

66/1

Poor maiden who is miles out of the handicap.

Form: 4P-P35P

Non-Runners

Nero Rock¹⁸

Weight: 11-10| Age: 7

T: J Candlish J: Theo Gillard

Forecasts

Mortlach (4/6), Minella Plus (6/5), Nero Rock (3/1), Nyoufsea (66/1)

MINELLA PLUS shaped as if there will be better to come when making a winning chase bow at Hexham and shades the vote over the prolific Mortlach.