Coral John Francome Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:45 | Winning time: 6m 2.10s

Thyme Hill²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 161| C

4/7

Dual Grade 1 winning hurdler who finished (runner-up in last year's Stayers' Hurdle and sound start over fences, landing an Exeter novice (24.2f) on return 3 weeks ago. Looks sure to go on to better things in this sphere and leading claims.

Form: 1/5225-1

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McFabulous^p¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 153| C

2/1

Smart hurdler who ended last season with success in Grade 2 company at Sandown and, having been pulled up on return/chase debut he made no mistake when comfortably taking 4-runner Exeter novice (19.2f) earlier this month. Should be plenty more to come in this sphere on that evidence.

Form: 2431-P1

Mortlach^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 132

9/1

Has made hay in small-field novice events this season, including 4 victories over fences at up to 21f. Acquitted himself well granted run of the race when second in Wincanton Grade 2 earlier this month but likelihood is he will fall short here.

Form: 311222

Non-Runners

Gelino Bello²⁹

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: P F Nicholls J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Thyme Hill (4/7), McFabulous (2/1), Gelino Bello (9/4), Mortlach (9/1)

Only the 3 runners but intriguing nevertheless with the vote in favour of THYME HILL. A fine second in last season's Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham, he largely jumped well when off the mark on chasing bow at Exeter 3 weeks ago and can come out on top. The Paul Nicholls-trainer Mcfabulous is a similarly exciting chase prospect, and won't allow the selection to have things all his own way.