Jumping For Joy On Racing TV Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 51.6s

Val Dancer^p³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Alex Edwards| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 119

11/10

Justified good support in first-time cheekpieces when running out a convincing winner at Leicester (22.7f) in December and made light of an 8 lb rise as he followed up under hands-and-heels ride at Wetherby (3m) last month. Big shout in hat-trick bid.

Form: 446-311

Ideal Du Tabert^p1²²

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Carl Millar⁽⁷⁾| T: C Collins| OR: 119

11/4

Matched previous form back down in trip when fourth of 13 in handicap chase at Thurles (21.6f, heavy) just over 3 weeks ago, possibly racing closer to pace than ideal. First-time headgear is applied and this Irish raider warrants plenty of respect.

Form: 344424

Conquredalofeurope^p⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 107| CD

15/2

Fairly useful chaser at his best who capitalised on sliding mark in weak 4-runner affair over C&D on New Year's Day, his stamina coming to the fore as Ideal du Tabert faded. Wouldn't be an obvious follow-up candidate given balance of recent form, however.

Form: UP-6541

Tom Cody^p,t³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Ross Chapman| T: R Menzies| OR: 107

10/3

Off the mark at Newcastle in December. Improved when following up in 6-runner handicap chase at Wetherby (19.4f, heavy) on Boxing Day and wasn't disgraced in a stronger contest at the latter course 30 days ago behind Val Dancer. Big claims back in novice company.

Form: P-42114

Forecasts

Val Dancer (11/10), Ideal Du Tabert (11/4), Tom Cody (10/3), Conquredalofeurope (15/2)

The hat-trick beckons for VAL DANCER, who was value for extra than the 2-length winning margin at Wetherby (hands-and-heels riding) and with that form proving strong, he can get the better of Tom Cody, who was a few places behind the selection last time but shaped as if still in good form.