QuinnBet Daily Free Bet Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

5YO plus | Class 4 | 1m 7f 214y | 5 Runners | Turf

Age: 10| Weight: 12-1| J: Harry Bannister| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 121| D

Hit the ground running returned to chasing when landing quick-fire double at Huntingdon/Chepstow in November. Pulled up next time but did run better despite finishing last of 4 at Wincanton (15.7f) 5 weeks ago. Underfoot conditions will hold no fears and now just 1 lb above last winning mark.

Form: 48-11P4

Damarta^h,t1²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Fergus Gregory| T: O Murphy| OR: 115| D

Improved performer over hurdles following wind surgery, confirming promise of his Uttoxeter third when running out a comfortable winner at Southwell (15.8f) 24 days ago. Appeals as the type to make an even better chaser so worth a second look now he's putting it together. Tongue tie added.

Form: 457331

Uptown Lady¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: B S Hughes| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 109

Winner over hurdles in February 2021 but hasn't stood much racing since, last of 5 on return to action at Huntingdon and in process of running below form when unseating at Wetherby (19.4f) since. Mark is easing all the time at least.

Form: U3/U3-5U

Hatos^b,t⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: R P McLernon| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 101| D

Maiden hurdle winner (at 2m) who, refitted with blinkers, justified good support to open his account over fences at Ffos Las (2m, heavy) 9 days ago. Consistency hasn't been his strong suit but definite claims with a repeat here.

Form: F45-741

Ingennio^p,t³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Lee Edwards| T: R Hobson| OR: 92

Modest maiden who wasn't disgraced when sixth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Leicester (15.5f) 31 days ago, upsides briefly 3 out before weakening next. Yard enjoy plenty of success in this sphere so foolish to rule out a good showing now tackling larger obstacles.

Form: 8-54326

Forecasts

Hatos (6/5), Damarta (3/1), Uptown Lady (5/1), Mr Grey Sky (7/1), Ingennio (8/1)

HATOS crucially jumped better than has often been the case as he opened his account over fences at Ffos Las 2 weeks ago, pressing on early in the straight and keeping on well. He gets the vote to come out on top again, with impressive hurdle winner Damarta (type to make a better chaser) fancied to provide the chief threat.