Virgin Bet Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:36 | Winning time: 6m 16.2s

First Lord De Cuet^p,t²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 132| D

11/8

Winning hurdler who had been given a chance by the handicapper and shaped as if as good as ever after 19 months off when runner-up at Ffos Las (20.9f, heavy) last month. Backed that effort up from a 5 lb higher mark at Chepstow since and holds leading claims.

Form: 10/22-22

Fox Pro⁴¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 122

7/1

Fairly useful chaser who ran respectably when sixth of 15 in a cross-country event at Cheltenham in late 2021, doing too much too soon. Off since but has gone well fresh before, so not dismissed.

Form: P2P276-

Mr Craftsman¹⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Mrs S Gardner| OR: 99

80/1

Maiden pointer who failed to match his previous Worcester effort switched to a handicap back at that venue in August. Faces a stiff task on chase debut.

Form: 58-2443

Sizable Sam^p³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 129| BF

10/11

Three-time winning hurdler who has found only one too good both starts over fences this term, going in snatches at Wincanton (25.1f) on latest start. Should be very competitive again.

Form: 3126-22

Forecasts

Sizable Sam (10/11), First Lord De Cuet (11/8), Fox Pro (7/1), Mr Craftsman (80/1)

FIRST LORD DE CUET has returned better than ever after 19 months off and this looks a good opportunity for him to open his account over fences. Sizable Sam is still relatively unexposed as a chaser and can provide the main threat.