Virgin Bet A Good Bet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 5m 26.54s

El Granjero^p²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: R Patrick| T: C Boultbee-Brooks| OR: 125| BF| D

3/1

Reliable sort who sole start in Irish points and has improved as a chaser, runner-up in two of his 3 starts over fences to date, latterly when jumping better in a 3m novice chase at Exeter. Likely testing conditions should offset this drop back in trip and he can give a good account again.

Form: 2224-42

Norn Iron^t1³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: H Cobden| T: Harry Derham| OR: 116| BF

11/4

Finished ahead of a pair of next-time-out winners when second on chase debut at Warwick (soft) but undone by his jumping faced with sharper test a Windsor (16.2f, good) on New Year's Day. Tongue strap on first time and may be seen to better effect over 2½m under these conditions.

Form: 2421-23

Risk De Pluie^t²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Ben Clarke| OR: 115

9/4

Winning pointer/hurdler who has shaped well under positive tactics and maintained his run of good form when ridden with more restraint to finish third at Exeter (17.5f, soft) last time. Track/step back up in trip will play to his strengths and he could make a bold bid if allowed his head.

Form: 322-263

Lylian⁶⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Freddie Mitchell⁽³⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 118

16/1

Bright start to his chase career in France last summer (changed hands for €95,000) but has shaped with little promise on either start for new yard (who also saddle Rip Wheeler). Handicapper has been quick to relent but remains to be seen if he fares any better back on an easier surface.

Form: 66-1234

Rip Wheeler^b1³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 106| BF| D

18/5

Winning pointer from a family Moore stable knows well. Progressive over hurdles and continued in a similar vein when making it 2-2 over fences at Lingfield (2½m) in November. Some mitigation for disappointing hat-trick bid the following month and could get back on track in first-time blinkers.

Form: 442-11P

Non-Runners

Mon Champion⁵

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: P F Nicholls J: Non Runner

Soldierofthestorm¹⁹

Weight: 11-3| Age: 8

T: J & A O'Neill J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.

Forecasts

Risk De Pluie (9/4), Norn Iron (11/4), El Granjero (3/1), Rip Wheeler (18/5), Soldierofthestorm (6/1), Mon Champion (8/1), Lylian (16/1)

Having not been seen to best effect at Exeter last time, RISK DE PLUIE will be suited by this longer trip/track and he's capable of making a bold bid. Soldierofthestorm bettered his hurdles form at the first attempt over fences and should have more to offer, while the admirably consistent El Granjero is entitled to be in the mix in a tight handicap.