SEKO Logistics Scotland Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 4m 3.42s

Asta La Pasta^h,t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 130| D

6/4

Three-time winner over hurdles and better form over fences this season, making the most of a good opportunity at Carlisle in November. Has proven expensive to follow since however, a first-time hood not the answer at Kempton last month. Can bounce back reunited with his usual rider returned to 2m.

Form: 313224

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Torneo²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 122| D

2/1

Flat/hurdle winner who has taken to fences better than might have been expected given his physique/Flat background, winning 2m handicaps at Taunton in January and Chepstow last month. Up in grade but he's a chaser on the up so warrants considerable respect.

Form: 322131

Paso Doble^p⁸³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 119| D

6/1

Fairly useful Flat winner who quickly reached a similar level over hurdles in 2021, winning a pair of 2m novices. Has shown he retains his ability back from an absence this winter, finishing second in 19f Taunton handicap in January, and attentions are now turned to the larger obstacles.

Form: 1621/72

Dance Thief^p1³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: R M Smith| OR: 111| CD

7/2

Reliable type who clearly likes it here, doubling his career tally in a 6-runner C&D handicap chase in February. Creditable displays on both subsequent outings over C&D (albeit posed very little win threat last time) and first-time headgear could well eke out that bit extra.

Form: 226123

Non-Runners

From The Clouds³⁶³

Weight: 11-2| Age: 8

T: Miss Lucinda V Russell J: Craig Nichol

Forecasts

Asta La Pasta (6/4), Torneo (2/1), Dance Thief (7/2), From The Clouds (5/1), Paso Doble (6/1)

Cases can be made for all the quintet, but the suggestion is TORNEO, who is a 5-y-o on the up and Jamie Snowden's youngster is fancied to take this step up in class in his stride. Asta La Pasta didn't jump so well under a new rider last month but reunited with his regular pilot, he can give the selection most to think about. From The Clouds has the physique to suggest that he should come into his own as a chaser, so he completes the shortlist.