Big Sprat Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 5m 10.61s

Kotmask¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 12-2| J: Caoilin Quinn⁽³⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 127| C

6/5

Fair hurdler who has improved for switch to chasing, building on his reappearance effort when running out a comfortable winner here (17f) in November. Resumed winning ways at Sandown 17 days ago and this looks another good opportunity.

Form: 2-31F41

Scarface^p³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 123| CD

11/4

Recorded a brace of small-field novice hurdle victories last season. Better with each start over fences, crucially jumping better (in first-time cheekpieces) when opening his account over C&D 5 weeks ago. Can go well again.

Form: 35-6331

Chanceux^h⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: J J Burke| T: A Ralph| OR: 118| C

6/1

Dual novice hurdle winner who got off the mark in this sphere in 4-runner handicap chase at Hereford. Followed up by a narrow margin at Doncaster but further 4 lb rise leaves him vulnerable.

Form: 325-811

Ballybeen^t²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: S Thomas| OR: 107

7/2

Placed all 7 starts in this sphere, including when good second at Hereford (20.9f, good to soft) last time. Should be in the mix again.

Form: 22-3322

Forecasts

Kotmask (6/5), Scarface (11/4), Ballybeen (7/2), Chanceux (6/1)

The progressive KOTMASK posted a good timefigure when scoring at Sandown last time and he can strike again. Scarface jumped better fitted in this headgear when winning over C&D 5 weeks ago is next best.