CopyBet 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 4m 27.56s

Aurigny Mill¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Kimber| T: R Walford| C

33/1

Better than ever for this yard last term, winning handicaps at Newbury (2m) and Taunton (19f). However, ended the season on a low note well held at Sandown on reappearance. Makes chase debut with a bit to prove.

Form: 16128-4

Hansard²¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore

8/1

Winless since bagging the 2023 Gerry Feilden at Newbury but some creditable efforts last season. Respected on chase bow/return.

Form: 483097-

Jax Junior^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Tom Cannon| T: L Wadham| OR: 136

11/4

Much improved after breathing surgery last season when landing 3 novice hurdles, including at Cheltenham in April. Shaped well after 7 months off when second of 5 in Uttoxeter maiden on chase debut so enters calculations with progress on the cards.

Form: 113P1-2

Jeriko Du Reponet²⁰⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 149

1/1

Smart hurdler who took a while to find form last season but responded well to cheekpieces when a fine second in Pertemps at Cheltenham before going one better in listed handicap at Punchestown. Back over fences now (point winner but let down by jumping only chase outing a year ago). Headgear off.

Form: P/P5321-

Miami Magic⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Charlie Hammond| T: S Edmunds| OR: 137| BF| C

7/2

Point winner who looked good when winning his first 2 starts over hurdles last term. Enhanced his form when runner-up in Grade 1 & 2 contests and best forgiven run at Aintree final start. However, made an inauspicious start over fences at Uttoxeter on return, barely taking a fence fluently.

Form: 11227-3

Forecasts

Jeriko Du Reponet (1/1), Jax Junior (11/4), Miami Magic (7/2), Hansard (8/1), Aurigny Mill (33/1)

JERIKO DU REPONET was comfortably the best of these over hurdles and it looks significant that connections are having another go in this sphere (disappointed on sole chase start a year ago). Jax Junior has a progressive profile and rates the main threat having shaped well on his chase bow at Uttoxeter on return.