Boodles 'Rising Stars' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 4m 59.15s

Sebastopol^t,v²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 148| C

7/2

Smart chaser who won a match at Chepstow last month from Victorias Peak. Second back over hurdles at Kempton 3 weeks ago and sets the standard here.

Form: F1-3412

Hang In There¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 142| D

5/1

Smart hurdler who made a good start over fences this summer, winning 4 small-field events on the bounce at around this trip. Folded tamely in Cheltenham handicap a fortnight ago but turned out again quickly and could get back on track.

Form: 21111P

McFabulous^p¹⁹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 153

4/6

Smart hurdler who was given a good tactical ride when making all in the 4-runner Select Hurdle at Sandown (21.5f) on final run of last season. Long since looked the sort to thrive over fences and he usually goes well fresh, so makes plenty of appeal.

Form: 28/2431-

Mortlach^t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 130| BF| D

14/1

Has made hay in small-field novice events this season, including 4 victories over fences at up to 21f. Shaped well in 3-runner handicap at Ludlow a fortnight ago, headed after stumbling badly home turn. This is tougher but he shouldn't be dismissed.

Form: P31122

Uhtred¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 140

25/1

Useful hurdler who ended time with Joseph O'Brien in good heart, successful in 19.3f beginners' chase in August. Pulled up sharply on first run for this yard over fences at Cheltenham a fortnight ago though.

Form: F3-411P

Non-Runners

Victorias Peak²⁸

Weight: 10-11| Age: 7

T: N & W Twiston-Davies J: Sam Twiston-Davies

Forecasts

McFabulous (4/6), Sebastopol (7/2), Hang In There (5/1), Mortlach (14/1), Uhtred (25/1), Victorias Peak (50/1)

MCFABULOUS is the only one of these without chasing experience but has looked the type to thrive over fences for a while and it would be no surprise to see him make a successful start. Sebastopol sets the standard and is selected for the forecast.