Royal Oak, Heavitree 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:03 | Winning time: 4m 7.30s

Fingle Bridge²⁸¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 139| CD

7/1

Useful bumper scorer in 2022 who was very progressive over hurdles last season following a lengthy absence, making it 3 from 3 in 6-runner listed event at Exeter (16.7f) in February. Open to further improvement this term.

Form: 21/111-

Largy Belter^h,t¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

125/1

Fourth sole start in points and promising start making Rules bow when staying on second in bumper at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day. Acquired by new connections for £85,000 but well held in maiden chase at Uttoxeter last month.

Form: 4/2-5

Salver²⁰⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 148| CD

15/2

Smart hurdler who should be bang there if he can translate anything like that level of ability to fences at the first time of asking.

Form: 3/4F232-

Tripoli Flyer²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 142| BF| D

6/1

Progressive in bumpers and similar story sent hurdling in 2024/25, bringing up a hat-trick in Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton. Stalking the leader when unseating 3 out at Perth on chase bow/return and remains an exciting chase prospect.

Form: 11163-U

Lulamba¹⁹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

2/5

One of the leading juvenile hurdlers last season, just edged out in the Triumph at Cheltenham before making amends in Grade 1 at Punchestown in May. Remains a very exciting prospect now going chasing.

Form: 1121-

Non-Runners

Stencil²

Weight: 10-10| Age: 4

T: N George & A Zetterholm J: G Sheehan

Forecasts

Lulamba (2/5), Tripoli Flyer (6/1), Fingle Bridge (7/1), Salver (15/2), Stencil (25/1), Largy Belter (125/1)

LULAMBA looked potentially high-class as a juvenile hurdler and will take plenty of beating if taking to this sphere at the first attempt. Salver is good enough to make a race of it given his smart hurdles form in what is a very strong race of its type.