Pointing Pointers Dick And Pam Saunders Novices' Hunters' Chase

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 6m 22.25s

Best Mate Dave⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Charlie Case⁽³⁾| T: Oliver Hayes| OR: 84

16/1

Just modest form on pick of his 3 efforts in handicap chases in 2024 and little impact on first run for over a year in point 7 weeks ago. Hard to fancy.

Form: P365P-5

Ideal Du Tabert⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Huw Edwards⁽³⁾| T: Miss Laura Richardson| OR: 115| BF

5/1

Had shown fair form when second earlier in 2024 but pulled up in handicap chase at Catterick Bridge (11/4) 2 years ago, clearly not 100% in first-time cheekpieces. Landed back-to-back points for new yard since then but was well held in that sphere 3 weeks ago. Place claims on his best form.

Form: 4P/211-5

Just Lucky Sivola³⁷⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr James King| T: Luca Morgan| OR: 109

5/2

Won a novice hurdle in November 2024 and possible excuses final two starts over hurdles for Paul Nicholls. Third of 8 in 2½m handicap at Sandown last February, travelling well before weakening in very testing ground. Off since but bred for fences and looks interesting on chase/stable debut.

Form: 16/2133-

Largy Shark⁶¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Thomas Easterby⁽⁵⁾| T: W Easterby| OR: 114

18/1

Inconsistent under Rules, fifth of 12 in maiden at Down Royal (20/1) on chase debut in May 2024, went prominent but pecked 3 out and had no extra between last 2. Has won a point-to-point (March 2025) since and was pressed when fell last on return in December. Could be competitive back under Rules.

Form: 5U341-F

Paul Marvel^p1²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr H Crow⁽³⁾| T: J J O'Shea| OR: 120

5/6

Fairly useful performer for Willie Mullins in 2023/24 and notched second success between the flags in November. Offered more than on hunter debut when second of 8 at Warwick (24f, soft) 20 days ago and can make presence felt with cheekpieces on first time (yard also saddle St Cuthbert's Cave).

Form: P-421P2

Non-Runners

St Cuthbert's Cave²⁸

Weight: 12-4| Age: 8

T: J J O'Shea J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Paul Marvel (5/6), St Cuthbert's Cave (11/8), Just Lucky Sivola (5/2), Ideal Du Tabert (5/1), Best Mate Dave (16/1), Largy Shark (18/1)

Bred for fences, it could be worth chancing the least exposed runner JUST LUCKY SIVOLA on stable/chase debut. Paul Marvel showed improvement when keeping on for second at Warwick and looks the main danger ahead of stablemate St Cuthbert's Cave, who won at Uttoxeter last September and was subsequently 2-2 in points prior to pulling up when found to have bled at Ludlow last month.