Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 5m 51.64s

Blueking D'oroux⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 147

12/1

Smart hurdler who was turned over at short odds on his Newton Abbot chase debut/reappearance in October but made no mistake in 2½m Wincanton Grade 2 novice since. This trip looked to stretch him over hurdles, albeit at Ascot and this is a sharper test.

Form: 6341-21

Crest Of Fortune^t²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 137

12/1

Useful novice hurdler last season, including third in 3m Aintree Grade 1 novice in Aintree. Has matched that form in defeat in 2 chases but Wendigo was 9½ lengths ahead of him at Newbury latterly. Has a tongue tie refitted.

Form: 2213-24

Kitzbuhel³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

13/8

Smart hurdler, including ½-length third to reopposing Blueking d'Oroux in 21.5f Sandown Grade 2 in April. Promising chase debut success at Punchestown (19f) last month suggests he can make his presence felt in top novices this season but 3m did seem to stretch him on previous attempt.

Form: 2/1153-1

Salver²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 148| D

7/2

Smart hurdler who couldn't live with Lulamba on his reappearance but saw things out well stepping to 3m for the first time to win Sandown Grade 2 novice 3 weeks ago.

Form: F232-31

Thomas Mor³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 142| D

12/1

Useful hurdler who disappointed on his chase debut last season but proved a different proposition with a win in 21f Ascot maiden on his reappearance 5 weeks ago. The return to 3m will suit. Open to progress.

Form: 15/140-1

Wendigo²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 147| D

5/2

Useful novice hurdler last term (including runner-up in Grade 1 Challow) and has taken really well to chasing, winning 2½m Newbury Grade 2 novice last month. The return to 3m should help if anything. Leading claims.

Form: 1215-21

Forecasts

Kitzbuhel (13/8), Wendigo (5/2), Salver (7/2), Thomas Mor (12/1), Blueking D'oroux (12/1), Crest Of Fortune (12/1)

The fact WENDIGO is likely to be suited by the return to 3m tips the vote his way over Kitzbuhel, who seemingly had his stamina stretched on his only hurdle outing over this trip. Blueking d'Oroux is another likely to have a say if proving fully effective back up in trip.