Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 109

Fair winning hurdler and produced his best effort over fences when picked off only late on in a 5-unner C&D handicap last month. Still probably shaped best there despite not going with much fluency, so cheekpieces now replaced by blinkers.

Form: 3-453F2

Ballynaheer^t¹²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: David Dennis| OR: 105| C

9/2

In fine form towards the end of summer and carried that on into the autumn, proving better than ever when notching a gutsy third win of the season in a 4-runner handicap chase at Plumpton (25.7f, good) in November. Absent since but has to be respected.

Form: 612211

Datsalrightcharlie¹⁰¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 102| BF| C

1/1

Landed a weak maiden event on his hurdles debut on this card last year. All 3 starts over timber this season have indicated that he should be at his best when chasing over longer trips and he's of serious interest now faced with such a task.

Form: 01-236

Mahler Moon^p,t⁶³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 102| D

7/2

Winner of a handicap hurdle at Newbury around this time last year and has made a better fist of things having a second try at chasing this season, placed all 3 starts over fences at Hereford prior to Christmas. Well beaten in a deeper race at Newbury in January, though.

Form: 5-P223P

Forecasts

Ballynaheer (13/8), Dangerous Touch (15/8), Datsalrightcharlie (3/1), Mahler Moon (8/1)

A competitive small-field event, with the vote going to chase newcomer DATSALRIGHTCHARLIE, who has been crying out for the step up to a staying trip over hurdles this season and has the physique of one who'll prove better suited by fences. Dangerous Touch shaped best when collared only late over C&D last month and appeals as one who'll benefit from first-time blinkers, whilst Ballynaheer was in fine form when last seen before Christmas and has to be respected after a break.