newtonabbotracing.com Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:32 | Winning time: 4m 6.93s

Valentino Dancer^p,t²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 122| C| D

4/5

Back to form the last twice, hitting the crossbar in a 2½m Uttoxeter handicap hurdle and latterly on debut in this sphere at Southwell (15.8f, good) where he chased home a bang in-form rival who was completing the hat-trick. Obvious claims off the same mark.

Form: 25/6V22

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Stepney Causeway^h,t⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Reed| T: M F Harris| OR: 122| D

2/1

Useful hurdles winner for Dan Skelton and capitalised on easing mark to open chase account for present stable at Worcester (16.5f) in June. Not beaten far when last of 3 under a penalty at Newton Abbot since but will do well get the better of Valentino Dancer here.

Form: 52P-213

Dr T J Eckleburg¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 112| D

13/2

Fairly useful hurdler at best but hasn't returned in much form for new yard, again offering little on second chase start when well-beaten seventh at Bangor 18 days ago.

Form: 438-067

Oval Street^b²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: David Noonan| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 80

25/1

Multiple point winner who showed some ability remains when third on yard/hurdles debut in a Newton Abbot maiden last month. However, well held on subsequent handicap chase debut and looks up against it from a long way out of the weights.

Form: P24-435

Forecasts

Valentino Dancer (4/5), Stepney Causeway (2/1), Dr T J Eckleburg (13/2), Oval Street (25/1)

Ready preference is for VALENTINO DANCER, who jumped well in the main when second to an in-form rival on debut in this sphere at Southwell and he remains 2 lb below his last winning hurdles mark. Stepney Causeway is the only conceivable threat, with Dr T J Eckleburg showing little spark sent chasing of late and Oval Street a long way out of the handicap.