Air Charter Service Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 6m 21.33s

Bronn³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155

7/2

Won sole start in bumpers and 2 from 5 over hurdles, notably Fairyhouse Grade 2. Landed odds in maiden chase at that venue in January and big improvement when 4¼ lengths third in Brown Advisory at Cheltenham Festival next time, travelling best. This track should play to his strengths.

Form: 21-4213

Complete Unknown²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 152

8/1

Developed into a useful hurdler last season and made a winning start over fences at Ffos Las (21f, heavy) in December. Beaten 13 lengths by Galia des Liteaux in Warwick Grade 2 but resumed progress with a devastating win in Kempton handicap last month. Not taken lightly.

Form: 12-5121

Gerri Colombe³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 159| BF

4/6

Successful only start in points and won first 7 starts under Rules, notably Grade 1s at Limerick and Sandown this season. Lost his unbeaten record only by a very small margin in Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival and this looks a good opportunity for him to resume winning ways.

Form: 11-1112

Sholokjack⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Skelton| OR: 135| BF

80/1

Irish point/dual hurdles winner who showed no ill effects for his chase debut fall when scoring with plenty in hand at Lingfield in January. However, again let down by jumping when well held at Kelso since and firmly up against it at this level.

Form: 116-F16

Thomas Darby^t⁷²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 150

20/1

Won the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in 2021/22 but was a well-beaten third in that corresponding race in November. Had a brief try over fences 3 years ago but was back to his best returned to this sphere when landing 4-runner handicap at Ayr in February. This probably too demanding, however.

Form: P4-2361

Galia Des Liteaux³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 146

17/2

Point/hurdles winner who made an impressive winning debut over fences at Bangor (heavy). Never figured on back of an early blunder in Kauto Star but firmly back on track to land Warwick Grade 2 (heavy) in January. However, only16¼ lengths fifth in Brown Advisory at Cheltenham Festival. Needs rain.

Form: 33-1P15

Forecasts

Gerri Colombe (4/6), Bronn (7/2), Complete Unknown (8/1), Galia Des Liteaux (17/2), Thomas Darby (20/1), Sholokjack (80/1)

GERRI COLOMBE only just failed to reel in the winner when losing his unbeaten record in the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival and he's taken to gain compensation here and record a third Grade 1 success over fences. Bronn was over 4 lengths behind Gerri Colombe that day but the way he travelled suggests it's entirely possible he can finish closer to the selection at this sharper track.