Bob 'Few Scoops' Kerslake's 70th Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:27 | Winning time: 5m 25.19s

Only The Bold^p,t⁵¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 137| D

15/8

Fairly useful hurdles winner for Evan Williams and has proved a different proposition over fences in headgear for new yard, scoring on return at Bangor (3m) and following up at Hereford (25.2f) in January. Remains lightly raced for an 8-y-o and big player with more to come.

Form: 7602-11

Richmond Lake²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 135| D

5/2

Successful twice over hurdles (runner up in Grade 2 here) and duly left chase debut form in his wake to score with plenty to spare at Wetherby (15f) in January. Creditable second behind another improver at Ayr 23 days ago and expected to make his presence felt again.

Form: 2F0-612

Arthur's Quay^t³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Jack Hogan⁽⁵⁾| T: B Haslam| OR: 126| BF| D

9/1

Winless over fences in Ireland but improved model for new stable, completing hat-trick in good style at Sedgefield (17f, soft) on penultimate start. Runner-up in match from much-inflated mark at Newcastle (16.3f) and whilst more is needed, a re-fitted tongue tie may help.

Form: 331112

Ned Tanner³³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: Sean Quinlan| T: N W Alexander| OR: 120| D

2/1

Dual novice hurdle winner and has won 2 of his 4 starts over fences at Kelso this term, his jumping again not blemish free but battling well to hold on 33 days ago. Assessor applies a little more pressure but he remains low mileage. Down in trip.

Form: 31-4141

Forecasts

Only The Bold (15/8), Ned Tanner (2/1), Richmond Lake (5/2), Arthur's Quay (9/1)

ONLY THE BOLD has been most impressive following the switch to chasing for his new yard, following up his Bangor victory in November with plenty to spare at Hereford in January. He gets the nod to defy another hike in the weights, with Richmond Lake, who has made a solid start over fences himself, the chief threat.