SEKO Logistics Scotland Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:56 | Winning time: 4m 12.35s

Salamanca Bay^h⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 127| CD

7/2

Too headstrong for his own good on first 3 starts over fences for new connections since returning from a 21-month absence but channelled his energy much better in a first-time hood to score over C&D (good) just under 6 weeks ago. Now forced into a higher grade but could kick on.

Form: 1U/3231

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Beau Balko³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 127| D

3/1

Won twice over hurdles last season and opened chase account at the fourth attempt at Musselburgh (15.8f, good to soft). Ran respectably but with no obvious excuse when third of 5 at Kempton (18f, good to soft) last month and likely he'll come up short again back down in trip.

Form: 5-52213

Royal Mer^t¹¹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 116| D

4/1

Has taken his form up a notch or two since being switched over fences this season, easily notching his fifth success of the campaign at Wincanton (15.7f, heavy) 11 days ago. Carries a penalty but he may not have finished improving. Big chance once again (due to be 3 lb higher in future).

Form: 152111

Dr T J Eckleburg¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 114| C| D

7/1

A two-time 2m chase winner at Worcester and Ludlow this term. Posted another creditable effort (from out of the weights) when a running-on third of 7 in at Chepstow (16f, soft, 11/2) 18 days ago and holds each-way claims back from his 'proper' mark.

Form: 243243

Rath Gaul Hill^t²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: R T Dunne| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 114| D

5/2

Failed to build on his hurdles debut success in 3 subsequent starts in that sphere but he has shown an aptitude for this game, confidently ridden and well suited by the increased emphasis on speed when scoring hard held at Newbury (16.4f, good to soft) last month. 7 lb higher but plenty to like.

Form: 5-54P21

Minella Youngy^t²²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Lizzie Quinlan| OR: 100| D

40/1

Fair winning hurdler in Ireland for Gavin Cromwell and showed improved form to get off the mark at the third time of asking in this sphere at Kelso (17.1f, good to firm) when last seen 7 months ago, driven clear after produced to lead last. Has since switched yards and market should guide.

Form: 227331

Forecasts

Rath Gaul Hill (5/2), Beau Balko (3/1), Salamanca Bay (7/2), Royal Mer (4/1), Dr T J Eckleburg (7/1), Minella Youngy (40/1)

ROYAL MER completed the hat-trick in stylish fashion at Wincanton 11 days ago and a 7 lb penalty may not prevent David Pipe's 6-y-o from collecting his sixth victory of a terrific campaign. He can get the better of Salamanca Bay, who channelled his energy much better in a first-time hood when scoring over C&D just under 6 weeks ago, while Rath Gaul Hill was another last-time-out winner and he completes the shortlist.