Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 5m 12.20s

Magic Saint^p,t³⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Freddie Gingell⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| C

8/1

Course winner who recorded some useful efforts in defeat last season. Dropped 4 lb ahead of this reappearance and Freddie Gingell takes another 7 lb off. No surprise to see him heavily get involved.

Form: P2/7546-

Kiltealy Briggs^p,t³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: Adrian Heskin| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 142| D

5/1

Pulled up on final 2 outings last season but back on track with 21.5f Market Rasen handicap success on his reappearance in October. Creditable fourth of 13 at Aintree since. No reason why he won't give his running but he needs more from his mark.

Form: 31PP-14

Messire Des Obeaux³⁸⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-11| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 140| CD

11/2

Formerly a smart novice hurdler and winner of 2 chases over C&D in 2020/21, the latter a Grade 2. Absent since finishing a remote third at Ascot on his reappearance run last season but he is favourably treated on his best form.

Form: 4114P/3-

Elixir De Nutz^p1,t²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 138| D

7/1

Found handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree festivals last spring well beyond him. Well beaten in another competitive race on his Ascot return but back on track returned to calmer waters when close second of 5 at Doncaster (2m) last month. Has first-time cheekpieces added to usual tongue tie. Player.

Form: 11PP-92

Celebre D'Allen⁵²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-9| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 138| BF| D

85/40

Returned from a long absence with a bang last season, winning 3 handicaps (2 hurdle, 1 chase) and fine fifth in Plate at Cheltenham Festival final start. Fair reappearance fourth at Warwick (3m) and much respected for yard with a good record in this race.

Form: 2/1115-4

Galahad Quest^t⁵⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 129| D

10/3

Hurdles/chase winner who was a good second of 4 on his Chepstow reappearance in October. Made no impact in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham the following month but could bounce back in this less competitive scenario.

Form: 6252-29

Forecasts

Celebre D'Allen (85/40), Galahad Quest (10/3), Kiltealy Briggs (5/1), Messire Des Obeaux (11/2), Elixir De Nutz (7/1), Magic Saint (8/1)

Philip Hobbs has won this 3 times since 2015 and that already good record might be enhanced by CELEBRE D'ALLEN, who did very well at around this trip last season. Elixir de Nutz was back on track when narrowly denied at Wincanton last time and is feared most ahead of the returning Magic Saint, who has Freddie Gingell taking a handy 7 lb off.