15:35 Newbury

Saturday 30 December 2023

All12:0512:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35

Coral Get Closer To The Action Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 6m 0.32s

Golden Son^t1²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 139| BF

15/2

Smart juvenile hurdler in France and, after 19 months off, shaped encouragingly when runner-up on his stable debut in novice chase at Warwick (20f) in November. Below-par effort at Aintree next time, but could bounce back with tongue strap reapplied on his handicap bow over fences.

Form: 233/2-2P

Walking On Air²⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 138| C

5/2

Gained a second win over hurdles in Exeter handicap (23.1f) in February, before a good fifth in Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. Made late mistakes when ninth at Punchestown in April, but he appeals as the type to make a chaser so could resume his progress on his return.

Form: P/34159-

Neon Moon^b,t³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 128| D

17/2

Strong traveller who returned better than ever to open his account over fences in handicap at Ludlow (23.8f) in October. Hasn't found as much as looked likely both starts since, though, fifth of 8 at Ascot (21f) on his latest outing. Others look stronger.

Form: 23P-145

Henry's Friend¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 126

17/2

Made a winning debut over hurdles at Aintree last season and doubled his tally at Doncaster (19.4f) in March. After 8 months off, showed aptitude for chasing when mid-field at the latter course a fortnight ago, so he's entitled to do better with his recent run behind him.

Form: 32410-5

Passing Well³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 125

11/4

Won twice over hurdles for current yard last season and has quickly developed into a better chaser, showing a good attitude when making his second start over fences a winning one at Lingfield (20f) a month ago. Leading contender with further progress to come.

Form: 4104-21

Lubeat Foras¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 119

25/1

Point winner who made a successful Rules debut in a Sedgefield bumper. Placed all 3 starts in maiden hurdles in 2021/22 and, after 22 months off, was still just in front when unseating rider usual 4 out at Ffos Las (19.4f) on chase debut 18 days ago. More needed.

Form: 11333/U

Ballycamus²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 118| C| D

4/1

Dual hurdles winner (including at this course) and, having been shaping up well after a break, made a successful switch to chasing in Chepstow handicap (19.4f) 3 weeks ago, staying on to lead run-in. Can makes his presence felt with more to offer over fences.

Form: 12-P321

Non-Runners

Moon Hunter⁴⁰

Weight: 10-10| Age: 6

T: H D Daly J: R Patrick

Forecasts

Walking On Air (5/2), Passing Well (11/4), Ballycamus (4/1), Golden Son (15/2), Henry's Friend (17/2), Neon Moon (17/2), Moon Hunter (10/1), Lubeat Foras (25/1)

PASSING WELL has made a bright start over fences, going one better than on his chase debut when scoring in game fashion at Lingfield a month ago. He can continue his progress to follow up over this longer trip, though Walking On Air possesses the physique for chasing and isn't taken lightly, while Golden Son remains capable of better in this sphere.