Watch On Racing TV Novices' Handicap Chase

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 94| BF

Made a promising return when runner-up at Uttoxeter (3m) in October and again ran well when fifth at Musselburgh the following month. Disappointed twice since though, latterly on back of wind op/fitted with tongue strap (retained here) when fourth at Plumpton 31 days ago. Needs to bounce back.

Form: 24-2574

Nine Nine Nine⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: S Bowen| T: S-J Davies| OR: 93| D

Off the mark at Leicester in January and doubled tally back at that venue last month. Remained in form since, third of 5 in handicap chase at Haydock (19.9f, soft) 5 days ago. Underfoot conditions fine and entitled to go well again.

Form: U13133

Hidalgo Des Bordes³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 88

Runner-up in an Irish point back in May 2022 and hinted at promise on 2 of his 3 starts over hurdles since the turn of the year, third of 12 in Plumpton maiden (15.9f) 38 days ago. Goes handicapping over fences now and better showing certainly not ruled out.

Form: F5/2-073

Yellow Jacket^t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽³⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 80

Took advantage of a slipping mark when shedding his maiden tag in a 7-runner handicap chase (10/3) at Bangor (17.4f, heavy) in February prior to finishing solid second from 4 lb higher at Huntingdon (16.5f) 18 days ago. One of the likelier types back up in trip.

Form: 24-2512

Leading The Way^p⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: G Howell| OR: 74

Modest maiden hurdler who offered little in pair of chase starts, latterly when well held last of 4 at Southwell (20.4f, heavy) in February. Mark has eased further but he can only be watched.

Form: 5-09674

Higgs^b⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-7| J: Conor Ring| T: S-J Davies| OR: 73

Veteran who hasn't tasted successful since 2018 and others arrive with more pressing claims judged on recent efforts.

Form: 63U6P6

Forecasts

Nine Nine Nine (13/8), Yellow Jacket (11/4), Kap Chidley (4/1), Hidalgo Des Bordes (5/1), Higgs (14/1), Leading The Way (20/1)

YELLOW JACKET has got back on track equipped with a tongue tie in recent starts, successful at Bangor prior to a good second at Huntingdon 18 days ago, and he earns the vote stepping back up in trip. Nine Nine Nine is another who arrives in form and can feature, whilst market confidence behind chase-debutant Hidalgo des Bordes would need to be viewed positively.