Passage House Inn Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:26 | Winning time: 5m 7.51s

High Game Royal²³

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Callum Pritchard⁽⁷⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 119| BF| D

5/2

Built on maiden/novice promise when making a winning handicap debut over hurdles at Chepstow on final start of last season. Placed both starts switched to fences this time round and a bold show is anticipated here.

Form: 2331-23

Charles Ritz²⁶⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Nick Scholfield| T: T R George| OR: 118

10/1

Looked a good staying prospect when scoring on debut over hurdles in a Southwell novice in December 2021. Has made the track only 4 times since but stepped up on his chasing debut form when second of 4 in a handicap at Huntingdon (2½m, soft) when last seen in April.

Form: 215/642-

Mot Pour Mot^t³⁶⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 117

16/1

Fairly useful hurdler in France who made the frame in pair of listed events at 18.9f in 2022. Reportedly bled when pulled up on debut for Kim Bailey in a Warwick handicap chase 12 months ago and subsequent absence is an obvious concern.

Form: 603/23P-

Tango Tara^t1⁶²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 117| DWS

9/2

Off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles in a 19.5f Chepstow handicap (good) in April 2022. Absent since (has undergone a wind op in the interim) but this former point winner couldn't be in better hands and is of strong interest now tackling fences. Tongue strap applied.

Form: 1231/

Western General⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 115| BF| D

7/2

Made the frame first 3 starts over hurdles last season prior to landing the odds in a 18.5f Newton Abbot maiden. Probably needed the run on return at Plumpton in November and appeals as the type to do better now switched to fences.

Form: 3/2421-6

Good Friday Fairy²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Ben Clarke| OR: 107| D

7/2

Steadily progressive over hurdles last season and performed with credit when third on return/chase debut at Ffos Las. Was the only one to finish when subsequently scoring at Fontwell (19.5f, heavy) but he's a sound jumper and should make his presence felt.

Form: P21-231

Royal Sam²⁶⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: James Best| T: M Blake| OR: 93

16/1

Point winner who appeared to be on the right track over hurdles when runner-up in handicaps at Leicester and Lingfield last February. However, he was well held final 2 starts of last season and is opposable sent chasing for new yard following an 8-month absence.

Form: 542244-

Forecasts

High Game Royal (5/2), Good Friday Fairy (7/2), Western General (7/2), Tango Tara (9/2), Charles Ritz (10/1), Royal Sam (16/1), Mot Pour Mot (16/1)

Cases can be made for the majority of these and the suggestion is WESTERN GENERAL, who was third to none other than Captain Teague on his sole start between the flags and he can be expected to build on the promise he showed over hurdles now switched to fences. Tango Tara is another interesting chase debutant and is next on the list ahead of High Game Royal, who is just about the pick of those with experience in this sphere.