Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 4m 9.56s

Colonel Harry^t³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 137| C

2/1

Ex-pointer who quickly developed into a likeable and useful hurdler last season. Efficient start to chasing when scoring readily in a handicap at Chepstow a month ago and should give another good account.

Form: 21412-1

Iceo⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| BF| C

7/2

Lightly raced over hurdles but useful form, winning the Imperial Cup here in March. Impressive winning chasing debut at Newton Abbot in October and wasn't himself when last (behind JPR One) there last time. Likely to be back on his game after a break.

Form: 4/214-13

JPR One²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 145| BF

5/2

Useful hurdler who took an immediate step forward sent chasing when landing 3-runner handicap at Newton Abbot and had the race at his mercy when unseating (in unfortunate fashion) at the last in Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time. Looks the one to beat.

Form: 05/15-1U

Le Patron²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: David Noonan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 133| C

16/1

Fairly useful ex-French hurdles winner who looked a good prospect when making a successful chasing debut at Fontwell. Followed up in equally impressive style at this course last month. Needs a lot more in this company but his jumping is a big asset.

Form: 2330-11

Petit Tonnerre²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 138

12/1

Useful hurdler who appeals as the type to do better in this sphere and shaped well under a considerate ride when second to Homme Public in Grade 2 at novice at Cheltenham on first go at chasing. Has a bit to find.

Form: 32P57-2

Unexpected Party^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: C Gethings| T: D Skelton| OR: 146

7/1

Emerged with credit against some of the top-flight British novice chasers of 2022/23 and made a fine return as he saw off Knappers Hill in listed Chepstow novice. Shaped as if still in form in handicap at Cheltenham last time and drop back in trip will suit.

Form: 2353-15

Forecasts

Colonel Harry (2/1), JPR One (5/2), Iceo (7/2), Unexpected Party (7/1), Petit Tonnerre (12/1), Le Patron (16/1)

JPR ONE jumped superbly and was set to land a Grade 2 before stumbling and unseating after the last at Cheltenham in November. A repeat of that sort of performance should be enough for him to quickly gain compensation, although Iceo and Unexpected Party both look feasible threats.