Birchall Trust Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: M Bowen| OR: 124

Still to get his head in front but quickly bounced back from a lesser effort on the back of another breathing operation when second in a Perth maiden hurdle (2½m, good to soft) 5 weeks ago. Possible he'll sharpen up for that and respected now chasing for the first time (winner only start in points).

Form: 2/322P2-

Caughtinyourtrance^p,t⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Charlotte Jones| T: James Moffatt| OR: 121| C

5/4

Dual winner over hurdles here and has made a positive start to his chase career, quickly putting a lesser display on bottomless ground at Ayr behind (also had breathing operation) when second over 25f here on Saturday. One to be interested in back at this shorter trip with a soft lead on the cards.

Form: P623P-2

Hostile Hotelier^t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 106

4/1

Consistent sort who won over hurdles at Newton Abbot last autumn. Runner-up on 3 other occasions last season (including fences) and shaped as if he'd strip fitter for his reappearance fourth over fences at Hexham (3m) 18 days ago.

Form: 2122F-4

Forecasts

Caughtinyourtrance (11/8), Off The Jury (6/4), Hostile Hotelier (3/1)

CAUGHTINYOURTRANCE highlighted a race of this nature is well within reach when second here on Saturday and with the drop back in trip holding no fears, he's expected to make a bold bid with his yard going well. Off The Jury was expensive to follow over hurdles but tasted success on his only start in points and looks a bigger danger than Hostile Hotelier.