Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 3m 45.51s

Alnilam^h²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: James Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 145| D

6/1

Useful hurdler who has already bettered that form over fences, following up his successful Uttoxeter chase debut with a convincing victory in a Cheltenham novice in October. Made a bad mistake when pulled up in Grade 1 at Sandown last time, so he could bounce back.

Form: 125-11P

Hansard¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: G & J Moore| OR: 135| D

14/1

Useful handicap hurdler who stepped forward from his seasonal/chase debut at this course (18f) when comfortably landing the odds in 3-runner maiden at Lingfield 2 weeks ago. This is a much tougher contest, but he remains with potential as a chaser.

Form: 3097-41

Lump Sum²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Dylan Johnston| T: S Thomas| OR: 146| CD

6/5

Developed into a smart hurdler last season and created excellent impression when making a winning start over fences at Uttoxeter in October. Ran to similar level behind an exciting prospect in Grade 1 at Sandown 3 weeks ago, so he's not taken lightly.

Form: 2420-13

Mirabad^h,t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 138| D

15/2

Fairly useful hurdler for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole who showed improved form on second start for current yard when making a winning chase debut in maiden at Exeter 22 days ago, jumping soundly in the main. Interesting with improvement to come in this sphere.

Form: 1310-81

Mambonumberfive²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 140| CD

85/40

French recruit who landed Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle here in February. Lesser effort next time but has resumed his progress sent chasing this season, making a winning handicap debut at Aintree before following up at Newbury last month. Can make a bold bid for the hat-trick.

Form: 2P17-11

Forecasts

Lump Sum (6/5), Mambonumberfive (85/40), Alnilam (6/1), Mirabad (15/2), Hansard (14/1)

A Grade 2 winner over hurdles at this course, MAMBONUMBERFIVE made it 2 from 2 over fences when scoring with something in hand at Newbury last month, form boosted by the runner-up winning next time, and he could be up to landing the hat-trick with further progress to come. Lump Sum has also taken very well to chasing and is feared most, ahead of Mirabad.