14:45 Aintree

Saturday 11 November 2023

All12:2513:0013:3514:1014:4515:2015:50

BoyleSports Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (National Course) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 5m 46.19s

Fantastic Lady¹⁹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 145

4/1

Very useful chaser who won a 3m Market Rasen listed mares' race on her reappearance last year and ended campaign with excellent placed efforts in the Topham over C&D and Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown. Looks sure to make her presence felt.

Form: 3U/1023-

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Nassalam^p²¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Caoilin Quinn⁽⁵⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 142

7/1

Had a good first season over fences in 2021-22, scoring 3 times from 5 starts, but rather flattered to deceive in a winless campaign last term and his habit of making jumping errors remains a cause for concern.

Form: 1/56307-

Born By The Sea³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Phillip Enright| T: P J Gilligan| OR: 140

20/1

Appeared to excel himself (from 6 lb out of the weights) when sixth in Grand National in April but not built on that effort since and connections will be hoping a return to this venue brings about revival in form.

Form: 06-0205

Gesskille^b⁵³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Henry Brooke| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 138| D

10/3

Acquitted himself really well when runner-up in this event and Becher Chase last term and arrives on back of victory in 9-runner listed chase (10/1) at Auteuil (21.9f, soft) 53 days ago. Looks on a decent mark and is a must for any shortlist.

Form: 269-P71

Cooper's Cross^p²⁰³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Sam Coltherd| T: W Coltherd| OR: 136

11/1

Dual winner last term who was running a cracker when hampered and fell 4 out in Topham over C&D in April. Recorded a personal best when runner-up in Scottish National subsequently and has likely been aimed at this prize.

Form: 3216F2-

Frero Banbou²⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 133

11/2

Positive start to last season when runner-up in Grade 3 Ascot handicap (16.8f) but was unable to build on that in 4 outings therefafter. Returns below last winning mark as a result but has yet to prove his stamina for this sort of test.

Form: 9/24340-

Ganapathi^p,t³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: R M Smith| OR: 131

80/1

Bumper/hurdles winner who landed pair of small-field novice chases for Willie Mullins in summer of 2022. Down the field last 3 starts for Patrick Neville and fared no better on debut for new yard at Kelso last month.

Form: 32540-4

Percussion^p,t²⁰⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: G Sheehan| T: L Morgan| OR: 128

15/2

Revitalised by cheekpieces/tongue strap in spring of last year and upped his game when placed in both this event (off 5 lb higher) and Becher Chase. Clearly not right when last seen at Cheltenham in April but his talented handler will no doubt have targeted this contest.

Form: 23353P-

Yccs Portocervo^p¹⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 127| D

22/1

Finally took advantage of a much-reduced mark returning from 7 months off at Uttoxeter (20.9f) in May and followed up over same C&D a month later. 7 lb higher mark not insurmountable on old form but takes on much stiffer opposition here.

Form: 3F43-11

Half Shot³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-5| J: Sean Quinlan| T: I Jardine| OR: 122| BF

6/1

Dual winner last term who ended campaign with fine seventh from out of the handicap in Scottish National in April. Looked as good as ever when just beaten on Kelso reappearance (26.2f) and could prove dangerous if taking to these fences.

Form: 32227-2

Non-Runners

Minella Trump²¹⁰

Weight: 12-0| Age: 9

T: D McCain Jnr J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Gesskille (10/3), Fantastic Lady (4/1), Frero Banbou (11/2), Half Shot (6/1), Nassalam (7/1), Percussion (15/2), Cooper's Cross (11/1), Minella Trump (16/1), Born By The Sea (20/1), Yccs Portocervo (22/1), Ganapathi (80/1)

GESSKILLE came close twice over these fences last season and returned to winning ways at Auteuil last time. Proven in testing conditions, he makes plenty of appeal. Coopers Cross improved throughout last season and was bang in contention when coming to grief here in April. He is feared most, whilst Fantastic Lady and Percussion also bring valuable course form to the table and are much respected too.