eventmasters.co.uk Hampton Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 6m 21.90s

Complete Unknown²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 142

5/4

Developed into a useful hurdler last season and, having shaped well on return at Haydock in November, he subsequently made a winning start over fences at Ffos Las (21f, heavy). Moving back up in trip looks a good move and obvious claims for yard that has won the last 2 runnings of this.

Form: 3212-51

Gentleman At Arms^t¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 136

15/2

Dual winner of novice hurdles at Huntingdon last season and there were positives to glean from his chase debut third in a first-time tongue strap (retained) at Leicester (2½m, good to soft). Open to improvement in this sphere but perhaps flying a shade too high in this company.

Form: 212-703

The Goffer²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| OR: 138

10/3

Grade 3 hurdles winner last term and left chase debut form well behind when landing a 9-runner Thurles maiden in November. Clear of the rest when chasing home a very good prospect at Fairyhouse (21f, heavy) next time and this Irish raider should make his presence felt.

Form: 104-412

Galia Des Liteaux¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 141| D

11/4

Point/hurdles winner who looked something out of the ordinary when making a successful start over fences at Bangor (17.4f, heavy) in November. Ran no sort of a race in a Kempton Grade 1 since (early mistake appeared to unsettler her) but she is well worth another chance.

Form: 1133-1P

Forecasts

Complete Unknown (5/4), Galia Des Liteaux (11/4), The Goffer (10/3), Gentleman At Arms (15/2)

A third successive victory in this race beckons for the Paul Nicholls yard courtesy of COMPLETE UNKNOWN, who was strong at the finish when scoring on his chase debut over 21f at Ffos Las, leaving the distinct impression that stepping back up to this trip would be in his favour. Galia des Liteaux was disappointing in a Kempton Grade 1 on Boxing Day but she was impressive on her debut over fences and remains of interest, while The Goffer is likely to have a say, too.