Excel Signs Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:53 | Winning time: 5m 31.8s

Sir Psycho^p⁷⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 138

17/2

Won three times last season, including the Victor Ludorum at Haydock. Encouraging fifth in Silver Trophy at Chepstow on reappearance. Bit disappointing in the Greatwood at Cheltenham since but he retains potential now chasing.

Form: 411559/

Barrichello²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 135| CD

2/1

Developed into a useful hurdler last term, including a 2m Haydock listed novice success. Sound start to his chase career when third at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) on his reappearance 4 weeks ago. Big chance if his stamina holds up in trip.

Form: 14117-3

Harper's Brook²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 130| D

11/10

Dual novice hurdle winner last term who made a highly encouraging start to his chase career when second (Ubetya 15 lengths back in third) over this trip at Carlisle last month. Sure to improve and win soon over fences.

Form: 14F21-2

Ubetya^p²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Emma Smith-Chaston⁽⁵⁾| T: Jedd O'Keeffe| OR: 130| D

6/1

Opened his account over fences when making all in this headgear at Perth in April on final start for Paul Nicholls. Not disgraced when third at Carlisle on his stable debut/reappearance but Harper's Brook was 15 lengths ahead in second.

Form: 3/2341-3

Wild Romance⁷⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 127

28/1

Looked promising in novice hurdles in autumn 2020 but has been absent since ahead of this switch to fences (runner-up in sole point). Retains potential for leading yard but betting is perhaps the best guide to expectations given the length of the lay-off.

Form: 212/

Non-Runners

Blackjack Magic¹

Weight: 10-12| Age: 7

T: A J Honeyball J: Rex Dingle

Forecasts

Harper's Brook (11/10), Barrichello (2/1), Ubetya (6/1), Blackjack Magic (8/1), Sir Psycho (17/2), Wild Romance (28/1)

A very interesting novice handicap chase. HARPER'S BROOK made a very promising start to his chase career at Carlisle and might be able to outstay Donald McCain's Barrichello.