David Allen Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 6m 54.5s

Illico De Cotte¹⁸⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 117| DWS

9/4

Irish point winner who opened his account in a Hereford maiden hurdle (25.5f) in February. Couldn't quite replicate that level in finishing third final 2 starts last season but he appeals as the type who could well do better now his attentions switch to chasing following a wind op.

Form: 2P2133-

Phillapa Sue^t¹⁸⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: R P McLernon| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 114

10/1

Hurdles winner who made a successful chase debut in 4-runner mares' handicap at Market Rasen (23.9f, heavy) in March. Made mistakes and never figured over hurdles at Ayr a month later but not dismissed lightly on return if keeping errors to a minimum.

Form: 217418-

Ballydisco^p¹⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 109

3/1

Twice successful from higher marks over hurdles and signed off time with former yard with his best effort yet in this sphere when runner-up at Ffos Las (28f) in May, giving best only late on. Intriguing contender starting out for new stable.

Form: 44P75-2

Elleon^p,t¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 105

4/1

Still not the most of fluent of jumpers but has enjoyed a fine start to the season, winning brace of Hexham handicaps (at 3m) and in-the-frame all 4 starts since. Likely to give his running again for all his mark is probably about right.

Form: 113343

Home Sweet Highway^b²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 99

3/1

Confirmed previous promise over hurdles when off the mark at Bangor (23f) in June. However, made mistakes and not for the first time didn't convince when well-beaten third of 5 in handicap chase at Southwell (24.3f) 3 weeks ago. Bit to prove now.

Form: 4-62143

Forecasts

Illico De Cotte (9/4), Home Sweet Highway (3/1), Ballydisco (3/1), Elleon (4/1), Phillapa Sue (10/1)

BALLYDISCO ended his time with his former stable with his best effort to date over fences when runner-up at Ffos Las back in May and, with his hurdles form offering hope he can be competitive from his revised mark, he could well be the way to go on debut for Lucinda Russell. Chase debutant Illico de Cotte needs considering, with in-form 9-y-o Elleon another fancied to be thereabouts.