Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 5m 48.31s

Knappers Hill⁷⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Freddie Gingell| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 146| D

18/1

Smart performer but off since winning a Grade 2 novice chase at Wincanton in November 2023. Paul Nicholls has a strong record in this race but understandable were this one to lack match sharpness.

Form: 423121/

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The Jukebox Man³³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 151

8/11

Smart novice hurdler who quickly made up into an even better chaser at the end of 2024, winning Newbury Grade 2 and Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton. Missed the rest of the campaign due to injury but remains a very exciting prospect.

Form: 1322/11-

Butch²⁷⁸

8/1

Useful hurdler who made a successful chase debut at Leicester (2½m, soft) last Christmas. Matched that form when third of 4 in Carlisle novice 7 weeks later. Returns as an unexposed sort who can go on to better things this season but this looks a tough starting point. Has had wind surgery.

Form: 1112/13-

Iroko^t²³¹

5/2

Handicap hurdle winner at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and has developed into a very smart chaser, ending last season with a fine fourth of 34 in the Grand National at Aintree. Second in this race on last year's reappearance. Has had wind surgery.

Form: 2/2F424-

Mr Hope Street²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 127

14/1

Progressive over timber last term. Never dangerous but not knocked about when sixth of 12 in Carlisle novice handicap on chase debut/reappearance 3 weeks ago. Will improve but faces a stiff task on these terms.

Form: 21123-6

Forecasts

The Jukebox Man (8/11), Iroko (5/2), Butch (8/1), Mr Hope Street (14/1), Knappers Hill (18/1)

THE JUKEBOX MAN had his novice chase campaign curtailed by injury but this looks a good chance for him to resume with a win, as main form threat Iroko ideally needs further, while Knappers Hill has a 2-year absence to overcome.