Vickers.Bet Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 4m 3.70s

Saint Segal^t⁴⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 128| D

11/10

Fairly useful hurdler who made a promising winning start to his chase career in 2m Chepstow novice handicap in November, scoring with plenty in hand. Definitely more to come and leading claims.

Form: 210-651

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Christopher Wood²⁷⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 139| DWS

5/2

Pretty smart hurdler at his best. Some way below that level when third on sole chase start back in spring 2021 but that hurdle ability does provide obvious hope for better. Has had wind surgery ahead of this first outing in 9 months.

Form: 462260-

Dans Le Vent⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Isabel Williams⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 135| C| D

20/1

Useful hurdler, including bagging a valuable 3m Haydock handicap last season. Runner-up on his completed start over fences back in 2019 but pulled up in Leicester novice on his belated return to chasing just a week ago. Hard to support with confidence after that.

Form: 4530F-P

Grey Skies⁶⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 127| D

9/2

Won a point before landing 2m maiden/novice hurdles for this yard last winter. Bit disappointing on his Carlisle chase debut/reappearance in October but it was a warm race and it would be no surprise to see him fare a lot better this time.

Form: 31112-7

Feuille De Lune^h,t²⁵⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Craig Nichol| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero

17/2

Won last 4 starts in points and also made a successful start under Rules in 25f Cheltenham hunter in April, looking in control a good way out despite jumping right. Definitely more to come but she does take a marked drop in trip on this first start for a new yard.

Form: 3/1111-1

Forecasts

Saint Segal (11/10), Christopher Wood (5/2), Grey Skies (9/2), Feuille De Lune (17/2), Dans Le Vent (20/1)

The most solid option is SAINT SEGAL who won nicely on his Chepstow chase debut and definitely has more to offer in this sphere. Christopher Wood's peak fitness has to be taken on trust but he has the potential to be a big threat based on his hurdle ability. Grey Skies is likely a fair bit better than he was able to show on his chase debut and is another to consider.