JCB Hydradig Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:07 | Winning time: 5m 56.5s

The Dark Edge^p¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Lily Pinchin| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 99

2/1

Steadily progressive, dual hurdles winner who fell on chase debut at Bangor in May but returned from 4 months off with a creditable fifth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Plumpton (25f, good to firm) 16 days ago. Remains with potential back in this sphere and he's certainly worth a second look.

Form: 4712-F5

Getuptheyard²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Lorcan Murtagh| T: N J Hawke| OR: 91

15/2

Still a maiden but largely run with credit over hurdles this year, finishing runner-up on 3 of his last 4 starts. May have finished in the frame but for departing 2 out on chase debut at Uttoxeter (20f) 3 weeks ago and no surprise to see him thereabouts.

Form: 72-226F

Reforme¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R T Dunne| T: T R Gretton| OR: 89

9/2

Maiden hurdler who has finished no better than midfield in 3 starts over fences to date, settling better than on his previous start but failing to improve further when fifth of 10 in handicap chase at Market Rasen (23.9f, good) 10 days ago. Mark has eased further at least ahead of this.

Form: 2P4-565

Lyness Dancer²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Andrews⁽³⁾| T: T Ellis| OR: 85| C

6/4

6-y-o mare who made a winning debut in impressive fashion over hurdles here (25f) back in May and best effort since when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Worcester (23f, soft) 22 days ago. No reason why she won't make her mark now tackling larger obstacles and she's respected.

Form: P-1P432

Bahtiyar^p¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Murray Dodd⁽⁷⁾| T: M Young| OR: 78

14/1

Long-standing maiden who matched his recent hurdles form on second start over fences when fifth of 9 in handicap chase at Warwick (20f, good to firm, 33/1) 14 days ago. However, wouldn't be certain to reproduce that here given overall record.

Form: 453PP5

Non-Runners

Calagogo¹⁴

Weight: 10-8| Age: 9

T: Stephen Allen J: Jamie Brace

Forecasts

Lyness Dancer (6/4), The Dark Edge (2/1), Reforme (9/2), Getuptheyard (15/2), Calagogo (12/1), Bahtiyar (14/1)

THE DARK EDGE fell on his sole previous start over fences back in the spring but he lines up here on the back of a solid reappearance fifth over hurdles 16 days ago and looks worthy of another chance in this sphere in a race essentially lacking depth. Chase debutante Lyness Dancer could emerge next best, ahead of Getuptheyard.