Rhino.Bet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:57 | Winning time: 4m 3.9s

Western Zephyr¹⁷³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: S Bowen| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 123| DWS

11/4

Winner of 3 of his half-a-dozen starts over hurdles and positive start in this sphere last season, placed in handicaps over this C&D and at Sandown. Well below par final 3 starts of that campaign but will have a serious chance if resuming at the top of his game after a breathing operation.

Form: 32454-P

Donnacha¹⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Lorcan Murtagh| T: N J Hawke| OR: 122| D

2/1

Proved consistent over hurdles last season, signing that campaign off with a clear-cut success at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) when last seen in April. Makes chase debut off a 5 lb higher mark but likely to play a leading role if his jumping passes the test.

Form: 231021-

Joshua Des Flos²⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: R Menzies| OR: 122| D

16/1

Placed both starts in bumpers and made the most of a good opportunity when opening his account over hurdles with plenty in hand at Ayr (2m, heavy) in January. Below par at Down Royal later that month, though, and he's opposable sent chasing following an 8-month absence.

Form: 3/33314-

The Churchill Lad^h¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Ross Chapman| T: R Menzies| OR: 119| D

9/4

Hit the target 3 times over hurdles and perfect start in this sphere when seeing off 4 rivals at Hexham (15.6f, good) recently. This 4 lb higher mark should be manageable and he merits respect.

Form: 467331

Dollar Collar¹⁸⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 119| D

6/1

£30,000 purchase after winning an Irish point last October and much improved second time of asking under Rules when landing 2m Hexham maiden hurdle in March. Good second in a Kelso novice the following month and she will be a threat if taking well to fences at the first attempt.

Form: F/71212-

Non-Runners

Parisencore³⁸

Weight: 11-10| Age: 8

T: N G Richards J: Danny McMenamin

Forecasts

Donnacha (2/1), The Churchill Lad (9/4), Western Zephyr (11/4), Parisencore (5/1), Dollar Collar (6/1), Joshua Des Flos (16/1)

This looks pretty trappy and the suggestion is WESTERN ZEPHYR, who resumes on an attractive mark and will have every chance if able to get back on track. Dollar Collar and Donnacha are both of interest starting out over fences here, while The Churchill Lad is respected in his bid to maintain his 100% record in this sphere and Parisencore is also shortlisted.