Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 1m 7f 99y | 4 Runners | Turf

Alnilam^h⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 145| C

15/2

Developed into a useful handicap hurdler last season but has already improved on that in 2 starts in this sphere, following up his successful Uttoxeter chase debut with a convincing victory at Cheltenham (15.9f) in October. This is tougher but he remains open to improvement.

Form: 2125-11

Be Aware²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 147

9/2

Useful hurdler who landed handicap at Stratford on debut over fences in October and took his form up a notch when second of 6 in Grade 2 chase at Cheltenham (15.9f, soft) 21 days ago. Looks sure to go well again.

Form: 2388-12

Lump Sum³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Dylan Johnston| T: S Thomas| OR: 146| D

4/1

Developed into a smart performer last season, bagging Welsh Champion Hurdle before making the frame in Fighting Fifth, William Hill Hurdle thereafter. Created a fine impression when taking minor event chase at Uttoxeter (16f, soft) on debut over fences 36 days ago and likely has more to offer yet.

Form: 12420-1

Lulamba¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 153

4/6

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. Made fine start over larger obstacles with comfortable victory at Exeter (17.5f, good to soft) last month and his 4-y-o allowance is a big plus.

Form: 1121-1

Forecasts

Lulamba (4/6), Be Aware (4/1), Lump Sum (4/1), Alnilam (10/1)

LULAMBA was much the best of these over timber and made a sound start in this discipline at Exeter last month. There should be plenty more to come and he is clearly the one to beat. Be Aware upped his game when second at Cheltenham and gets the forecast vote.