14:17 Chepstow

Saturday 21 February 2026

All13:4014:1714:5515:4016:1316:4817:18

Pertemps Network Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:17 | Winning time: 5m 4.02s

Pyramid Place^b1²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: James Best| T: H Dickin| OR: 115| CD

50/1

Useful hurdler at best but hasn't threatened in a trio of outings since re-joining Harriet Dickin. Mark has come down for chase debut in a change of headgear but others look safer propositions.

Form: 08-6058

Risk De Pluie^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Toby McCain-Mitchell⁽⁵⁾| T: Ben Clarke| OR: 115| BF| D

5/4

Winning pointer/hurdler who has yet to score over fences but has plenty of good efforts in defeat, including when second at Sandown 3 weeks ago. Capable of winning one of these off current mark.

Form: 22-2632

My Friend Sean^p,t⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 114| C

7/1

Added another win to his tally over hurdles at Uttoxeter in May but yet to take to chasing in 3 runs so far.

Form: 11-1466

Jack To Bat³⁰³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: K Brogan| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 113

17/2

Fetched £130,000 after finishing second in an Irish point and made the frame all 3 starts in maiden hurdles at around 2½m last season. Can be expected to step up on those exploits now switched to fences and it'll be interesting to see how he shapes up in the betting.

Form: P2/344-

Another Fine Mess¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Bryan Carver| T: J Scott| OR: 113| C

9/4

Failed to complete on his handicap debut but has won 3 of his 4 starts since, including on chase bow at Doncaster 16 days ago. Looks open to further improvement so likely to make another bold bid.

Form: 4F1-511

Holeshot⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: C O'Farrell| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 112| D

9/1

Back-to-back winner over hurdles early this year. Not disgraced on chase bow at Bangor and by no means out of it when departing at Taunton last month, 2-length third when fell 3 out. However, stopped as if amiss at Hereford since.

Form: 15-75FP

Melton Mossy^t⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 110| BF| D

22/1

Looked better than ever when notching fifth success over hurdles at Taunton but 7 lb rise found him out there next time. Immediate improvement needed if he's to defy current mark on chase bow.

Form: 85-2R17

Non-Runners

Star Of Affinity¹²

Weight: 11-13| Age: 7

T: J Tizzard J: Brendan Powell

Gris Majeur⁸⁶

Weight: 11-11| Age: 9

T: Sheila Lewis J: Non Runner

Arctic Conditions⁵²

Weight: 11-2| Age: 6

T: C Boultbee-Brooks J: R Patrick

Forecasts

Risk De Pluie (5/4), Another Fine Mess (9/4), Star Of Affinity (5/2), My Friend Sean (7/1), Gris Majeur (7/1), Jack To Bat (17/2), Holeshot (9/1), Arctic Conditions (12/1), Melton Mossy (22/1), Pyramid Place (50/1)

ANOTHER FINE MESS carried over his improvement when making a winning chase bow at Doncaster last month and remains of firm interest off 5 lb higher. Risk de Pluie is capable of winning off his current mark but is bumping into another potential improver, while Star of Affinity has made a good start in this sphere.