Gambling Prince Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:00 | Winning time: 4m 11.3s

Mary^t⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: C J Todd| T: Ian Williams| OR: 106| C

85/40

Course handicap hurdle winner last summer. Would have made a winning chase debut at Worcester in September but for falling at the final fence. Also fell in a listed race at Worcester on her other chase start. Sharper for a run over hurdles last month but comes with risks.

Form: 2F23F0-

Asian Star¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 105

6/1

Novice hurdle winner last autumn. Off 6 months, probably needed run when last of 5 on Southwell chase debut 11 days ago. Likely improver with that run behind him.

Form: 3312P-5

Iskar D'airy^t⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 104

11/8

Has a good record when fitted with a tongue tie, including 2m handicap chase wins at Huntingdon and Warwick this spring. Even an 8 lb rise may not prevent him going in again.

Form: 1/P7121-

Blackijo Dagrostis^t¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 92

12/1

Winless following 8 attempts between the flags and modest form over hurdles for current yard, including 2 handicaps this month. Others preferred now chasing.

Form: 5P45-66

Sailed Away^t⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: James Best| T: B R Summers| OR: 90

18/1

Won 19.5f handicap hurdle at Huntingdon in March 2024 and has posted creditable in-frame efforts in 20.5f handicap hurdles at Market Rasen and Southwell for Stuart Edmunds this spring. Drops in trip for chase and yard debut.

Form: 321/343-

Alshadhian^t³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: Toby Wynne| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 88WS

8/1

Fair maiden at best on Flat (stays 1¾m) but no real impact in 4 starts over hurdles, including a handicap last month. Has had wind surgery ahead of this switch to fences.

Form: 7795-

Forecasts

Iskar D'airy (11/8), Mary (85/40), Asian Star (6/1), Alshadhian (8/1), Blackijo Dagrostis (12/1), Sailed Away (18/1)

Recent dual chase winner ISKAR D'AIRY looks by far the most solid option. Dan Skelton's Asian Star may come on for her recent chase debut after a break and is second choice.