Richard Soan Roofing Services Novices' Handicap Chase

4YO plus | Class 5 | 3m 1f 157y | 4 Runners | Turf

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Godfrey| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 85

Good-topped gelding who won a point bumper winner and showed more than previously over hurdles sent handicapping on his last 2 outings, clear of the rest when third of 8 at Ffos Las (3m) in May. Interesting chasing debutant with yard going well.

Form: 30073-3

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Tom Taggle²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Mrs C Williams| OR: 85

11/8

Winner of a Chepstow handicap hurdle (3m) in April 2025 and matched that form on chasing debut when fourth of 10 in handicap at the same venue in March. Lesser effort on return from 7 months off at Worcester (2½m) 3 weeks ago, but he could fare better up in trip.

Form: 1/F374-3

Could Be You³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 75

5/2

Placed both starts in Irish points. Didn't offer much over hurdles last season (trained by Ryan Potter first 4 starts) but better signs the last twice, needing a stronger gallop when fifth of 8 in handicap at Southwell (3m) last month. Market could be informative on chasing debut.

Form: 0P9-F85

Lancier Des Obeaux^t¹⁹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Bryan Carver| T: L Horsfall| OR: 68

8/1

Well held in a bumper and little form in 4 starts over hurdles, faring no better fitted with tongue strap when sixth of 10 on handicap debut at Ffos Las (2½m) in April. Bred to be suited by this step up in trip, but will need to leave previous efforts behind as he goes chasing.

Form: 69466-

Forecasts

Hard Stare (11/8), Tom Taggle (15/8), Could Be You (4/1), Lancier Des Obeaux (15/2)

HARD STARE showed improved form in handicap hurdles on his last 2 starts and he boasts the physique to continue his progress as he goes over fences. Representing an in-form yard, he gets the vote ahead of Tom Taggle who is entitled to take a step forward from his recent return, while Could Be You is one to note as he goes chasing.