Joanne Gate Turns 30 Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 5m 55.21s

Largy Train^p¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Danny McMenamin| T: H Hogarth| OR: 97| D

6/4

Improved from completely out of the blue when landing a Sedgefield handicap chase last month. Proved that that was no flash in the pan when following up at Hexham (2½m, heavy) recently and he should make a bold bid to complete the hat-trick.

Form: 3P5611

Toombridge^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Callum Bewley| T: I A Duncan| OR: 91

14/1

Runner-up in an Irish point a couple of years ago but he hasn't threated in 7 appearances under Rules (bumpers/hurdles). Sizeable step forward needed now that he tackles the larger obstacles.

Form: 94-PP80

Great Ballinboris⁹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: B S Hughes| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 90

3/1

Failed to make an impact over hurdles but there were some positives to take from his chase debut third at Wetherby (19.4f, heavy) on Boxing Day, especially considering that he was returning from almost 12 months off. Possibilities if able to build on that.

Form: 40/67-3

Baron Briggs^p,t²²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: A M Thomson| OR: 81

2/1

Better efforts since undergoing a wind op, finishing third in handicaps at Kelso (17f), Musselburgh (20.3f) and again when upped to 3m at Ayr last month. Fair fourth in first-time cheekpieces (retained, plus tongue strap refitted) over the same C&D since and he's a live contender.

Form: 33-3334

The White Volcano³⁰³

Age: 12| Weight: 10-9| J: Philip Armson⁽³⁾| T: W Storey| OR: 78

18/1

Veteran who lost his way in Ireland and hard to derive any encouragement from his exploits since joining present yard. Record stands at 0-11 over fences.

Form: 084-8P4

Diamond Road^p,t¹²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-2| J: S Mulqueen| T: Mrs J C McGregor| OR: 66

66/1

Yet to show any worthwhile form and absent since pulled up on return at Newcastle in November.

Form: 5P0F3-P

Forecasts

Largy Train (6/4), Baron Briggs (2/1), Great Ballinboris (3/1), Toombridge (14/1), The White Volcano (18/1), Diamond Road (66/1)

It's probably fair to say that BARON BRIGGS has failed to progress since switched to fences but, at the same time, he hasn't done much wrong and a first taste of success could be on the cards. Largy Train is clearly the main danger ahead of Great Ballinboris.