Kalahari King 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:35 | Winning time: 4m 4.53s

Constellation Walk^h,t²²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Bryan Carver| T: H Fry| OR: 115

11/2

Benefited from switch to positive tactics when getting off the mark in 14-runner novice hurdle at Exeter (17f, good to soft) 7 months ago. Much respected on return/chase debut.

Form: 446341-

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Count Of Vendome¹⁹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 123| DWS

2/1

Dual bumper winner. Enjoyed an excellent first season over hurdles and went 3-5 on his handicap debut in 7-runner event at Haydock (2m, good to soft) 6 months ago. Since had a breathing operation and rates an interesting debutant over fences.

Form: 1/21211-

Hold The Serve^t¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 130

4/6

Successful sole start in points and on the up over hurdles last season, completing a hat-trick at Kempton (21f) in February. Given a sympathetic chasing debut after 6 months off (had another breathing operation) when promising second of 4 in novice at Perth (2m, soft) 15 days ago. Leading player.

Form: 01115-2

Forecasts

Hold The Serve (4/6), Count Of Vendome (2/1), Constellation Walk (11/2)

None of the trio can be ruled out but Olly Murphy's HOLD THE SERVE is taken to build on the promise of his recent chasing debut second at Perth and go one better. Count of Vendome rates a big threat on his first go in this sphere, while fellow chasing newcomer Constellation Walk also needs considering.