Paddy Power Novices' Chase (Registered As The Dipper Novices' Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 5m 18.33s

Beauport³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Jordan Nailor| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 145| BF

6/1

Likeable, progressive hurdler who made fine start over fences when landing listed Colin Parker Chase at Carlisle in October. Runner-up conceding 8 lb to similarly-good prospect at Haydock (21.6f) since and he remains one to be very positive about.

Form: 2214-12

The Real Whacker⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P Neville| OR: 139| C

10/1

Lightly-raced winner over hurdles who looked potentially smart when landing 3m novice here in November. This is tougher but he looks sure to do better again and is dangerous to dismiss.

Form: 612-01

Harper's Brook³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Luca Morgan| T: B Pauling| OR: 134

13/2

Twice a winner over hurdles (at 20f) who has improved for switch to chasing, runner-up at Carlisle in October prior to going one place better in a Bangor handicap (20.3f) 5 weeks ago. Highly unlikely he's reached his limit but this demands a good deal more.

Form: 4F21-21

Monmiral⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 148

13/8

Smart hurdler who signed off for last term with a good second in Aintree Hurdle (20f) in April. Unlucky to bump into a top-class prospect in Jonbon on his chasing debut but he still showed plenty of aptitude and he's entitled to come on for that. Good shout.

Form: 11/542-2

Thunder Rock⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Adrian Heskin| T: O Murphy| OR: 150

15/8

Four-time hurdle winner last term who has improved plenty for switch to chasing, following up his Uttoxeter victory in October with another impressive display at Ascot (18.8f) 44 days ago. Well worth his place at this higher level.

Form: 1191-11

Non-Runners

Mortlach⁶

Weight: 11-2| Age: 8

T: F O'Brien J: P J Brennan

Forecasts

Monmiral (13/8), Thunder Rock (15/8), Beauport (6/1), Harper's Brook (13/2), The Real Whacker (10/1), Mortlach (50/1)

THUNDER ROCK has made a fine start over fences, building on his Uttoxeter success with a career-best display at Ascot in November. Well worth his place at this higher level he can make it 3-3 in this sphere, with Monmiral feared most on the back of his fine chase debut second behind Jonbon. The likeable Beauport completes the shortlist.