TrustATrader Apply Today Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 37.38s

Alien Storm²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 12-1| J: Paul O'Brien| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 121

15/8

Fairly useful sort over hurdles but surpassed that form at the first attempt over fences when winning a 5-runner handicap chase at Plumpton (17f, good) 28 days ago. Very much looked a natural there and is open to further improvement, an 8 lb rise unlikely to overburden him.

Form: 6403-61

Idy Wood²¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 120| D

2/1

Scored twice in novice hurdles last season, also twice making the placings in Grade 2 events across the season. Ended the campaign on a low-key note but he was an expensive purchase from the pointing field and it'd be no surprise if he made an equally useful chaser.

Form: 132137-

Lipa K^p1¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Toby Wynne⁽³⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 117

25/1

Made a fine start over fences for his new yard when landing a pair of 2m4f Bangor handicaps but his jumping has proved a major issue since, again producing an error-strewn round at Sedgefield earlier this month. Cheekpieces go onn and could still feasibly treated if more fluent this time.

Form: 1-1UPB5

Diplomatic Ash²²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: David Noonan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 110

14/1

Out of a half-sister to Minella Indo and made a promising start when placed both outings in novice hurdles. Disappointing in 2 handicaps subsequently, and he's probably worth a check in the betting switched to chasing after 7 months off.

Form: 8320P-

Sun Joy¹⁷³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 109

10/3

Opened account over hurdles at Huntingdon in January but seemed to find testing ground too much when pulled up at Exeter next time. Folded as if amiss at Punchestown after and he has something to proves switched to chasing for his comeback now.

Form: 2661PP-

Lime Drop¹⁸⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: H D Daly| OR: 108

11/1

Filled the runner-up spot on 4 of her first 5 starts over fences, though is still yet to fully convince with her jumping and wasn't quite at her best when last seen at Cheltenham on her final outing last term. Still shouldn't be ruled out in this company.

Form: 223225-

Forecasts

Alien Storm (15/8), Idy Wood (2/1), Sun Joy (10/3), Lime Drop (11/1), Diplomatic Ash (14/1), Lipa K (25/1)

ALIEN STORM was a convincing winner at Plumpton on his chasing debut and Charlie Longsdon's gelding can build on that fluent performance to score again from an 8 lb higher mark. Idy Wood made the frame on both of his starts in points and is a respected chase newcomer, whilst Lime Drop showed enough last season to also prove competitive here.