Martin Pibworth Half Century Stakes Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:17 | Winning time: 6m 3.3s

Dragon Rock¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: J J Hanlon| OR: 120

4/1

Hurdles winner for Willie Mullins who went with promise on his recent chase debut at Bangor (3m) 2 weeks ago, jumping better as race wore on under a patient ride. Likely improver with that under his belt and big shout with Brian Hughes again in the plate.

Form: 32/1F-42

Cardamon Hill^p1⁹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: S Bowen| T: G Elliott| OR: 119

6/4

Placed in points and confirmed promise displayed in bumpers (twice a runner-up) when successful on hurdles debut at Tramore in January. Subsequent exploits in that sphere have been disappointing but too soon to be writing off for powerful yard. Cheekpieces on for chase debut.

Form: 322147-

Gladiatorial^t⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Mr O McGill⁽⁷⁾| T: N C Kelly| OR: 108

10/3

Fairly useful hurdler who came close to opening his account over fences at Kelso in October. Below par since though, including over hurdles on last 4 outings.

Form: 29505-8

Petrastar^h,t²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 108| C

10/3

3-time hurdle winner earlier in career who wasn't seen to best effect under a change of tactics on chase debut at Huntingdon (19.8f) in May, closing when unseating rider last (looked set to finish second at worst). Feasible to think he can do better in this sphere.

Form: 6P/236-U

Forecasts

Cardamon Hill (6/4), Petrastar (10/3), Gladiatorial (10/3), Dragon Rock (4/1)

DRAGON ROCK jumped better as the race wore on when second in a 3-runner handicap on chase bow at Bangor 2 weeks ago and, with progress anticipated, he could well be up to going one place better. Cardamon Hill, on chase debut, may emerge as the chief threat, ahead of Petrastar.