William Hill Towton Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 6m 13.02s

Ballygrifincottage^t1⁶⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 145| D

4/5

Won all 3 completed starts in points and quickly made up into a useful staying hurdler last term. Comfortably saw off the talented Beauport when making a successful start to his chase career at Haydock in November. Tongue strap on 1st time. Exciting prospect.

Form: 11314-1

City Chief¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 135| D

7/2

Useful winning hurdler who got off the mark in this sphere in 3-runner handicap chase at Hereford (25.2f) 19 days ago. Open to more progress. Considered.

Form: 2115-21

O'Toole^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Ewing| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 138

7/2

Progressed well over hurdles last term and created a good impression when going in at the first time of asking over fences in 9-runner handicap chase at Newcastle (20.1f) 28 days ago. Has more to offer now up in trip. Not discounted.

Form: 12/143-1

Bellatrixsa²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Harry Bannister| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 128

16/1

Progressive over hurdles (successful 4 times) and made an encouraging chasing debut when fourth of 5 in handicap at Chepstow (23.6f) 27 days ago. Open to improvement.

Form: 21142-4

Forecasts

Ballygrifincottage (4/5), City Chief (7/2), O'Toole (7/2), Bellatrixsa (16/1)

Dan Skelton's BALLYGRIFINCOTTAGE looked a smart prospect when lowering the colours of Beauport on his chasing debut at Haydock and gets the vote. Nicky Henderson's City Chief can build on his Hereford success and rates the main threat, although both Irish raider O'Toole and the unexposed Bellatrixsa can't be discounted either in an intriguing Towton Chase.