It Pays To Buy Irish Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

5YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 104y | 3 Runners | Turf

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: S Bowen| T: James Owen| OR: 122| D

Dual hurdle winner who struck at the first time of asking over fences at Fakenham (2m) in October. Has bettered that in defeat since, shaping as if potentially ahead of his mark when mid-field in a strong race on Cheltenham Trials Day in January. Should have too much for his 2 rivals back at 2m.

Form: 54-1346

Hypotenus¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Taylor Fisher| T: J Tickle| OR: 117| D

5/2

Reliable sort who gained a deserved breakthrough success over fences in 5-runner handicap chase at Taunton last month. Had the run of the race that day, though, and was unable to repeat the dose on both subsequent outings that month (stiff task latest). Looks Secret des Dieux main rival.

Form: 4-27136

Epinephrine²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 113| D

10/3

Got off the mark in 2m handicap hurdle at Kempton in February but tailed off next 3 starts, including at Hereford on chasing debut last month. Enough to prove.

Form: 4416-63

Forecasts

Secret Des Dieux (4/5), Hypotenus (5/2), Epinephrine (7/2)

This drop back to 2m looks ideal for SECRET DES DIEUX, who shaped as if ahead of his mark when sixth in the notoriously strong Timeform Novices' Handicap at Cheltenham on Trials Day last month. He can double his tally at the expense of Hypotenus, who hasn't kicked on since opening his chase account but drops back in grade here.