Focus Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 5m 21.10s

Passing Well³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 124| D

6/4

Dual hurdles winner who confirmed promise of chase debut when landing 5-runner Lingfield handicap (20f) in November. Improved when third over extended 22f here next time but disappointing run faced with deep ground at Exeter to shrug off.

Form: 04-2135

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Ballycamus³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 123| C| D

4/1

Made a successful debut over fences at Chepstow in December and resumed his progress with success in 6-runner handicap at Warwick (20f, heavy) 39 days ago. This rates tougher but further improvement not discounted.

Form: P32141

Ioupy Collonges¹⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 122

4/1

Bumper winner who was steadily progressive over hurdles last season, winning 2 of his 4 starts. Faltered quickly on return/chase debut at Chepstow in October (had irregular heartbeat) but given plenty of time since and he shouldn't be underestimated for leading stable.

Form: 12121-P

Martator^p²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 118

5/2

Useful winning hurdler in France. Not at that level for present stable but proving consistent over fences this campaign, second behind Issar D'airy here prior to another creditable third at Carlisle (2m) 25 days ago. Handy pull at weights with aforementioned rival now stepping back up in trip.

Form: 6-33223

Non-Runners

Issar D'Airy³⁸

Weight: 11-10| Age: 6

T: G & J Moore J: N F Houlihan

Forecasts

Passing Well (6/4), Issar D'Airy (2/1), Martator (5/2), Ballycamus (4/1), Ioupy Collonges (4/1)

ISSAR D'AIRY maintained his unbeaten record over fences when landing a second course handicap in determined fashion 38 days ago and, with further progress distinctly possible now stepping back up in trip, he can complete the hat-trick. Martator is capable of defying his present mark and should be up to pushing his old rival close with a handy pull at the weights.