JenningsBet Eastleigh Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 3m 53.21s

Midnight Midge²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 120| C

11/4

Won first two starts for this yard (both at Taunton) and quickly bounced back following a below-par effort here on Boxing Day when runner-up in a C&D handicap (soft) 26 days ago. Leading claims off the same mark.

Form: 57-1162

Harlem Soul³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Jack Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: S Hosie| OR: 121| C

5/1

Has taken well to chasing for a Flat-bred, resuming progress/winning ways in 12-runner handicap at this course (20.2f) on Boxing Day, responding well. 6 lb higher mark demands more but he has a good record here.

Form: 606131

Mongol Emperor^p1,t¹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 118| D

5/1

Dual hurdles winner but has yet to reach that level over fences, not looking all that willing when third in 8-runner handicap at Ffos Las (2m) 10 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time.

Form: 24-7443

Triple Trade³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 114

11/2

Winner of a decent handicap hurdle at Lingfield around this time last year but has made an unpromising start to life over fences, failing to complete all 3 outings. Plenty to prove.

Form: 138-FPP

Rock Of Star³³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: J E Moore| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 100

2/1

Winning hurdler who shaped as if still in good form on his first completed start as a chaser when fourth at Uttoxeter (20f, heavy) 33 days ago. Back down in trip and interesting from a 2 lb lower mark.

Form: 1649-F4

Calgary Tiger⁷¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: Ben Ffrench-Davis⁽⁷⁾| T: W De Best-Turner| OR: 98

50/1

Little worthwhile form over hurdles. Tries chasing now after 23 months off and easily passed over.

Form: 6P0495/

Forecasts

Rock Of Star (2/1), Midnight Midge (11/4), Mongol Emperor (5/1), Harlem Soul (5/1), Triple Trade (11/2), Calgary Tiger (50/1)

ROCK OF STAR is related to chase winners and ran respectably on his first completed start over fences when fourth at Uttoxeter on New Year's Eve, so he could the answer from 2 lb lower mark back down in trip. Midnight Midge is sure to be on the premises if backing up his latest effort, while Harlem Soul also warrants respect given his excellent course record.