Gordon Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:49 | Winning time: 5m 16.23s

Uncle Bert²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: James Turner⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 132| BF| D

6/4

Developed into a useful hurdler last season, winning 3 times, but he made mistakes when coming in last of 3 on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter (2m) last month. This longer trip should suit and he's worth another chance.

Form: P2117-3

Springtime Promise²¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: C Brace| T: F O'Brien| OR: 131| D

6/1

Showed useful form when completing his hat-trick over hurdles in Jane Seymour Mares' Novices at Sandown (19.8f, soft) in February. A noteworthy chasing debutant.

Form: 111119-

Dare To Shout^t²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Danny McMenamin| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 128| D

16/5

A fairly useful winning hurdler who made a promising chasing bow on the back of breathing surgery when a clear second of 7 in 2m4f Hexham handicap 22 days ago. He's a player off just a 1 lb higher mark.

Form: 8562P-2

Malaita¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 120| C| D

9/4

A dual 2m4f chase winner at Ludlow and Cheltenham last season and he got back on track when third of 6 in 2m4f Uttoxeter handicap 16 days ago. This likeable mare has experience on her side and needs considering.

Form: 2211-63

Non-Runners

President Scottie¹⁹⁷

Weight: 11-1| Age: 6

T: N G Richards J: Danny McMenamin

Leader In The Park²⁰⁰

Weight: 10-13| Age: 6

T: B Pauling J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Uncle Bert (6/4), Malaita (9/4), Dare To Shout (16/5), Leader In The Park (7/2), President Scottie (7/2), Springtime Promise (6/1)

A case can be made for all of these but DARE TO SHOUT made a promising start in this sphere when a recent runner-up at Hexham and he can build on it with Brian Hughes now up. Springtime Promise has the potential to make his mark in this sphere and could emerge as the main danger, although Malaita, President Scottie and Leader In The Park all command plenty of respect too in an intriguing handicap.