Support The Injured Jockeys Fund 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 3 | 2m 4f | 3 Runners | Turf

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 139| C

Useful bumper winner who progressed with each of his 3 runs over hurdles last term, culminating in a listed success at Exeter (very strong form). Chased home top-notch prospect Lulamba on return/chase debut at the same course last month and faces nothing in the same stratosphere as that rival here.

Form: 21/111-2

Largy Belter^h,t²²

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

11/1

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 a couple of maiden chases so far (well behind Fingle Bridge when last of 5 at Exeter last time).

Form: 4/2-55

Phantomofthepoints^p,t¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe

9/4

Useful hurdler who is pretty consistent on the whole and ran a cracker when third in valuable 17-runner 3m handicap on return at Haydock 17 days ago. Failed to complete both starts in points in 2023, but will ensure that Fingle Bridge has something to think about if jumping well on this chase debut.

Form: 41874-3

Forecasts

Fingle Bridge (4/9), Phantomofthepoints (5/2), Largy Belter (10/1)

FINGLE BRIDGE stands out on account of both form and potential and, barring accidents, he should have no trouble in going one better than on his chase debut at Exeter. The form of that race was given a double boost at Sandown on Saturday, with the pair that he split at Exeter, Lulamba and Salver, both landing graded events in fine style. Phantomofthepoints is the clear pick for forecast purposes ahead of Largy Belter, who is probably more one for the longer-term.