Rockcliffe Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 4m 17.34s

Tommy's Oscar⁵⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny McMenamin| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 152| CD

2/5

Really smart hurdler who narrowly prevailed in a match on chase debut over C&D in October. Runner-up next 2 starts over the larger obstacles but looked much more polished when a decisive winner of a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January. Keeps rivals out of the weights back in a handicap. The one to beat.

Form: 8-12521

Baron De Midleton^b²²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-5| J: P W Wadge⁽⁵⁾| T: B Ellison| OR: 125| D

4/1

Back to form in re-fitted blinkers, gaining a belated first success over fences over 20f at Newcastle in November. Coped really well with drop to 2m when going in again after another breathing op back at that venue 3 weeks ago and the obvious threat to Tommy's Oscar.

Form: 751221

Captain Zebo²⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 10-5| J: Mr John Dixon⁽⁷⁾| T: J E Dixon| OR: 122| C

11/2

Prolific hurdler at this venue earlier in his career. Losing run stretches back to 2020 though and he's out of the weights on this very belated chase debut.

Form: 5-74656

Forecasts

Tommy's Oscar (2/5), Baron De Midleton (4/1), Captain Zebo (11/2)

TOMMY'S OSCAR ran up to the pick of his hurdles form when landing the Grade 2 Lightning Novices' Chase at Doncaster in January and his presence here forces his 2 rivals out of the weights. Captain Zebo is a Carlisle specialist but goes over fences very late in life so Baron de Midleton will probably chase the selection home.