racingtv.com Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:26 | Winning time: 4m 18.23s

Cold Sobar⁴²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Sam Coltherd| T: W Coltherd| OR: 120

13/2

Winning Irish pointer who scored twice over hurdles at Newcastle in the spring of 2023. Off for 14 months since an excellent fourth in Chepstow Grade 2 novice but he can't be discounted now going chasing. Worth a market check.

Form: 34111/4-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Stylish Recruit^t¹⁸³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 111| DWS

12/1

Irish point winner who readily surpassed previous hurdling exploits when a game winner of a Hexham novice (16.2f) in June. Since had a wind op and much respected now attentions switch to larger obstacles.

Form: P51/5-41

Disco Annie^h,t¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: R Menzies| OR: 111| C

11/2

Bagged back-to-back 17f Carlisle handicap hurdles last month before posting a solid sixth in 2m Newbury Listed hurdle 15 days ago. This Irish points runner-up is a likely player starting out over fences.

Form: 627116

King Of Tara²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 109| D

11/4

A fairly useful 2m novice hurdle winner who comes here on the back of a good fourth of 17 in 2m3f Chepstow handicap 23 days ago. Type to make a chaser so he must enter calculations.

Form: 1040-54

Leitrim Chief²³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: J Ewart| OR: 104WS

5/1

Showed ability over hurdles and stepped up on his chase debut when third of 12 in a Hexham handicap (15.6f, heavy) in April. Since undergone breathing surgery and needs considering on his return.

Form: 33/4543-

Ballyfort³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Bruce Lynn| T: N W Alexander| OR: 103

9/1

Showed promise over hurdles but jumped left and was welll held when falling last on his chasing debut in 2m handicap at Hexham last month. Worth another chance.

Form: 5635-0F

Fia Fuinidh^t³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Sean Quinlan| T: M Todhunter| OR: 102| BF| D

10/3

Yet to score over fences but he is knocking on the door, second of 6 in 2m1f Kelso handicap last month. Up 2 lb but he can go well again.

Form: 2456-22

Forecasts

King Of Tara (11/4), Fia Fuinidh (10/3), Leitrim Chief (5/1), Disco Annie (11/2), Cold Sobar (13/2), Ballyfort (9/1), Stylish Recruit (12/1)

None of these can be ruled out but the vote goes to DISCO ANNIE who was runner-up in an Irish point and arrives at the top of her game over hurdles. She is taken to go in at the first time of asking in this sphere for her in-form yard ahead of fellow chasing newcomer King of Tara who brings plenty of potential too. Fia Fuinidh appeals as the pick of those with experience and can also have a say in an intriguing contest.