Junior Jumpers Open Hunters' Chase

Off time: 17:45 | Winning time: 6m 39.01s

Alaphilippe^b1,t⁶²

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Zac Baker| T: Mrs A Slatter| OR: 127

9/1

Useful hurdler (runner-up in 2022 Pertemps) but failed to kick on from a promising chase debut second over both sets of obstacles in 2023/24 season for Fergal O'Brien. However, comes here following success between the Flags in March and he merits a second look.

Form: 90/6621-

Douglas Longbottom⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr William Biddick| T: Miss B Coward

5/2

Promise when third in an Aintree bumper for Harry Ryall this time 2 years ago. Disappointed in a hunter for this yard at Chepstow last spring but he's a multiple winner in points either side of that, successful on each of his last 3 starts since the turn of the year. Remains capable of better.

Form: 17/2111-

Fairly Famous^p1,t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Miss Gina Andrews| T: Mrs G Andrews| OR: 130| BF| CD

6/4

Prolific in points and successful at this meeting in each of the last 2 seasons. Seemingly not 100% when pulled up in Fox Hunters' Chase at the Festival in March but lines up here having proved his well-being with a good second in points 4 weeks ago. Big player.

Form: 1311P2-

Glenmount⁶¹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr James King| T: Mrs J Wadland

13/2

Court Cave gelding. Half-brother to numerous winners, including useful hurdler/smart chaser Windsor Avenue. Multiple winner in points himself, including last 2 starts (latest Mar 2). Interesting what the market makes of him on first start in hunter chase company.

Form: 11/4311-

Learntalot⁶¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Mrs Izzie Hill⁽⁵⁾| T: A Hill| OR: 110| BF

12/1

Fair maiden hurdler for Olly Murphy who showed similar form when winning novice hunter for present connections at Stratford (22.6f) 11 months ago. Lines up here having been holding his form well between the Flags in recent months and no surprise to see a good showing.

Form: 332/112-

Tzarmix²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr D Andrews⁽³⁾| T: Mrs D Ralph| OR: 106

7/1

Lightly-raced 6-y-o who landed a Chepstow novice for Sam Thomas back in March 2023. Drew a blank in handicaps last year for Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill but perfect start between the Flags for new stable when running out a comfortable winner at Bitterley last month. Could build on that now.

Form: 745351-

Non-Runners

Walk Away⁷⁸

Weight: 12-0| Age: 12

T: R Pallas J: Mr O McGill

Forecasts

Fairly Famous (6/4), Douglas Longbottom (5/2), Glenmount (13/2), Tzarmix (7/1), Walk Away (7/1), Alaphilippe (9/1), Learntalot (12/1)

Successful on each of his 2 previous appearances at this meeting FAIRLY FAMOUS clearly wasn't himself when pulled up in the Fox Hunters' Chase at the Festival in March. However, he confirmed his well-being when finishing runner-up between the Flags since and is fancied to make a bold bid to come out on top again here. Douglas Longbottom has some excellent point form to his name and he's feared along with Alaphilippe, in a race containing plenty of in-form sorts.