Betfair Esher Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 3m 42y | 4 Runners | Turf

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 144| D

Useful hurdler who ran his best race on form when jumping boldly to see off chase debutant Quebecois by 10 lengths in the 'Future Stars' novice chase at Exeter (24.3f) last time, putting his fitness to use. Still holds an experience edge and should make another bold bid under a penalty.

Form: 01-1421

Laurens Bay⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 135| C| D

9/4

Very strong at the finish when a much-improved winner of the EBF novice final at this track last season and looks set to be an even better chaser, jumping well to see of sole rival with ease on chase debut at Uttoxeter (24.1f) last month. Open to plenty of improvement.

Form: 22141-1

Quebecois^t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 138| BF| D

5/2

Ended last season on a high when dispatching a pair of subsequent winners in a 3m novice handicap at Ayr and shaped with plenty of promise on chase debut behind the race-fit/more experienced Doyen Quest. 2 lb worse off with that rival here but no surprise to see him take a big step forward.

Form: 12421-2

Salver¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 147

10/3

Smart hurdler (placed in 2024 Triumph). As good ever when runner-up in Grade 2 Select Hurdle here (21.5f) last season. Tried to race up with Lulamba on reappearance/chase debut (17.5f) and may prove a different proposition second time over fences, if seeing out this markedly longer trip.

Form: 4F232-3

Forecasts

Doyen Quest (6/4), Quebecois (11/4), Salver (10/3), Laurens Bay (4/1)

Only the 4 runners but an intriguing renewal nevertheless. Smart hurdler SALVER tried to keep tabs with Lulamba over a shorter trip on chase debut and may prove a different proposition over 3m. He gets the vote ahead of Doyen Quest who carries a 3 lb penalty for his impressive win in the 'Future Stars' at Exeter and is likely to make another bold bid, while it would be no surprise to see Quebecois (runner-up to Doyen Quest) or Laurens Bay improve markedly second time up over fences.