General Gilbert Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 6m 32.51s

The Carpenter⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 134| C

15/2

Most progressive over hurdles, making it 3-3 when landing 8-runner Uttoxeter handicap (20f) in May. Failed to meet expectations on chase debut at Ascot (18.8f) in November, finishing tamely. However, in excellent hands and not one to write off.

Form: 2/11-13

The Changing Man¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 128

5/2

Progressive hurdler last season and took a further step forward when giving Stay Away Fay a fright on C&D chase debut in November. Unseated at Sandown next time and whilst he disappointed at Warwick 18 days ago, he's on a good mark if bouncing back now handicapping in this sphere.

Form: 282-2U4

Top Of The Bill^p⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Jordan Nailor| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 127| CD

5/1

Fairly useful over hurdles but already better over fences, producing a career best when winning 8-runner handicap chase at this C&D (heavy, 6/1) 6 weeks ago. Player with prospect of more to come.

Form: 15U-631

Passing Well³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 125

7/2

Won twice over hurdles for current yard last season and has quickly developed into a better chaser, off the mark at Lingfield (20f) in November before a good third behind Henry's Friend at Newbury (22.4f) last time. Remains unexposed at 3m and he's respected.

Form: 104-213

Hurricane Highway⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: H Cobden| T: Evan Williams| OR: 125| BF| D

10/3

Point winner who tasted success on second of 3 starts over hurdles. Unseated on return/chase debut in November and looked unlucky not to win (all but came down 4 out) when finishing third at Chepstow (23.6f, heavy) next time. Remains open to improvement in this sphere.

Form: 1/512-U3

Hauraki Gulf¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Chris Ward⁽³⁾| T: Deborah Cole| OR: 122

9/1

Bumper debut winner who showed fair form without getting his head in front over hurdles. However, he improved to make it first time lucky over fences at Sedgefield (21f) 3 weeks ago. This undoubtedly tougher but he's a reliable sort.

Form: 222-201

Non-Runners

Henry's Friend²

Weight: 11-12| Age: 7

T: B Pauling J: Non Runner

Forecasts

The Changing Man (5/2), Hurricane Highway (10/3), Passing Well (7/2), Henry's Friend (4/1), Top Of The Bill (5/1), The Carpenter (15/2), Hauraki Gulf (9/1)

A race featuring a host of in-form/progressive sorts with the narrow vote in favour of PASSING WELL. He found further improvement and impressed with how he saw things out when finishing a close third in a good race at Newbury and promises to do better again upped to 3m. The Changing Man is very well treated on the pick of his form and is a player if dispelling his Warwick run, along with Hurricane Highway.