Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 6m 1.23s

Next Left²²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Tristan Durrell⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 120| BF

2/1

Taken well to fences, winning 2 of his 4 starts, much improved when impressive scorer at Worcester last month. Looked well-in under a penalty but faded out of things over the same C&D 3 weeks ago. Back up in trip and remains of serious interest.

Form: 50-1414

The Kniphand²⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Finn Lambert⁽³⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 116| D

6/5

Improved model switched to handicaps/upped to 3m over hurdles in 2022/23, battling well when gaining a third success at Market Rasen (23f) in March. Showed plenty when runner-up at Ludlow on chase debut a year ago but off since a lesser effort 2 months later.

Form: 1P15/25-

Young Merlin^p²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 116| C

12/1

Three-time winner on the Flat and enjoyed a good summer over hurdles in 2023, completing a hat-trick over this C&D. Stiff task at Compiegne 3 weeks ago and he's up markedly in trip for chase debut.

Form: 1P94-20

Walk Of No Shame^p²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 108| C

12/1

Left a very low-key reappearance effort in her wake when winning 8-runner handicap hurdle at Worcester in June. Unable to match that form in 3 outings since and now goes up in trip switched to fences.

Form: P-01506

Home Sweet Highway^b²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 104

13/2

Confirmed the promise of his Bangor run when landing 13-runner contest back there in June, staying on well. Held back by mistakes last time and he didn't really take to chasing at the first attempt in the spring.

Form: 44-6214

Forecasts

The Kniphand (6/5), Next Left (2/1), Home Sweet Highway (13/2), Walk Of No Shame (12/1), Young Merlin (12/1)

NEXT LEFT has to shrug off a disappointing run at Worcester but he's been given a little break and he's a chaser to view positively on the balance of his form. The Kniphand lacks a recent run but that is no concern given the yard he represents and he's feared most.