14:32 Chepstow

Saturday 25 February 2023

All12:4713:2213:5714:3215:0715:4516:1716:52

Pertemps Network Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:33 | Winning time: 5m 8.1s

Hometown Hero^p,t²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 120

13/2

Irish point/novice hurdle winner who produced best effort to date when runner-up in a Uttoxeter handicap chase 4 weeks ago, edged out on line but clear of remainder. 5 lb higher mark to contend with now but he's a player with a repeat.

Form: 10-33P2

Valleres³¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 118

10/3

Irish point winner who won twice from 5 starts over hurdles during 2020/21. Promise initially over fences last winter prior to ending last campaign below form but fact he has gone well fresh previously is worth noting starting out for new yard off career-low mark.

Form: 1/333P6-

Triple Trade²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: J Tizzard| OR: 114| D

7/2

Winner of a decent handicap hurdle at Lingfield around this time last year and, on the back of 3 non-completions over fences, he halted the slide when runner-up in this sphere at Wincanton (15.7f) 23 days ago. Return to further a plus if he can build on that here.

Form: 38-FPP2

Henschke^t²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: S Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 109

8/1

Maiden hurdler who, on the back of a second wind op has made a bright start over fences, runner-up at Hereford (20.8f) prior to going one place better at Ffos Las (20.9f) 25 days ago. May have more to offer if keeping the errors at bay.

Form: F3P-521

Small Bad Bob^h²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean Houlihan| T: P Henderson| OR: 108| D

9/1

Maiden pointer who tasted success 3 times over hurdles during 2021/22 campaign. Only one real effort of note in that sphere so far this term and others appeal that little bit more ahead of this switch to chasing.

Form: 3-4P535

Pottlerath^p,t⁵²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 107

12/1

Successful 3 times from a low base over hurdles during 2022, latterly at Hereford (21.7f) in October. Improved form when runner-up at up to 25.5f next 3 starts and whilst he turned in a rare poor effort latest, he could go well now tackling larger obstacles.

Form: 51222P

Eaton Collina²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: R Patrick| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 107

3/1

Hereford hurdles winner (at 19.7f) last season. Solid enough start over fences this winter, going well when unseating 4 out at Wetherby (24.2f) on penultimate start prior to a respectable fifth at first-named venue (25.2f) 26 days ago. No reason why he won't be thereabouts again back down in trip.

Form: 1U-34U5

Non-Runners

Jack In The Box⁴²

Weight: 12-2| Age: 6

T: B J Llewellyn J: Robert Williams

Forecasts

Eaton Collina (3/1), Valleres (10/3), Triple Trade (7/2), Hometown Hero (13/2), Jack In The Box (13/2), Henschke (8/1), Small Bad Bob (9/1), Pottlerath (12/1)

An open-looking handicap and with that in mind a chance is taken on the returning VALLERES. Absent since running below form over hurdles last spring, some of his chase form for Alan King reads well and, with a good record fresh to call upon, it would come as no surprise to see him go well on debut for Venetia Williams. Hometown Hero and Eaton Collina may emerge next best, whilst Henschke can't be ruled out either.