QuinnBet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 5m 46.12s

Giovinco⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: S Mulqueen| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 146| D

4/11

3-3 over hurdles and has quickly made up into an even better chaser, winning Aintree novice handicap in November. Outstayed by Stay Away Fay in a 3m Sandown Grade 2 next time and possibly found Grade 1 test at Kempton on Boxing Day coming too soon. Obvious claims back in this company.

Form: 11-U12P

Choosethenews³⁹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: M Walford| OR: 120

9/4

Wide-margin winner on his sole outing in points and looked a useful prospect sent hurdling when making all at Ayr (21.4f) in December 2022. Bit disappointing when third under a penalty at Wetherby 3 weeks later and this looks tough for his chase debut 13 months on.

Form: 113-

Non-Runners

Cruz Control³⁶

Weight: 10-8| Age: 7

T: T Lacey J: Stan Sheppard

Imperial Merlin⁴⁸

Weight: 10-5| Age: 7

T: J & S Quinn J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Giovinco (4/11), Choosethenews (9/4), Cruz Control (5/2), Imperial Merlin (14/1)

GIOVINCO possibly found the Grade 1 Kauto Star on Boxing Day coming too soon after a big effort at Sandown earlier in the month so, on the back of a short break and down markedly in grade, this looks a good opportunity for him to get his chasing career back on track and make it 2-2 in handicaps. Cruz Control is the danger.