Virgin Bet Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:22 | Winning time: 4m 50.22s

Lightning Flash⁸⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Toby McCain-Mitchell⁽⁵⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 111

7/4

Improved performer switched to fences this season, winning on debut in this sphere at Chepstow (2m) in October. Probably would have won but for a heavy fall on penultimate start but latest Ludlow sixth contained another error-strewn round. Claims if jumping better.

Form: 7-114F6

Cuban Court^p,t¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: J M Quinlan| T: N B King| OR: 109| CD

10/11

Three-time winner over hurdles last season who made it 2 from 3 over fences and enhanced his solid course record in the process when landing 4-runner C&D handicap chase 2 weeks ago. Yard continue in good form and he's a big player again.

Form: 1-46161

Whatyouwaitingfor¹⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Lily Pinchin| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 110| D

9/2

Off the mark at the fifth attempt over hurdles at Newton Abbot (18.5f) in August and ran his best race on figures when runner-up in a 2m Hereford novice on final start for the Twiston-Davies stable. Now goes chasing and could be an improver on handicap/stable debut.

Form: 322212

Non-Runners

Two To Tango⁷⁵

Weight: 11-2| Age: 8

T: Miss E C Lavelle J: C J Todd

Forecasts

Cuban Court (10/11), Lightning Flash (7/4), Two To Tango (5/2), Whatyouwaitingfor (9/2)

This looks wide open with WHATYOUWAITINGFOR given a narrow vote. He compiled a solid record in maiden/novice hurdles for his previous stable and appeals as the type who could do better still now handicapping over larger obstacles with his yard amongst the winners. Cuban Court is unbeaten over fences here and is next best ahead of Two To Tango.