Boodles Rising Stars Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 5m 4.58s

Favour And Fortune¹⁹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A King| OR: 142

11/2

Without a win since Grade 2 handicap hurdle at Ayr in April 2024, but ran up to his best when third in premier handicap at this venue in April. Shaped as if still in good form when mid-field at Sandown 2 weeks later and has the physique to make a chaser.

Form: 403/635-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

No Drama This End¹⁹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 144| D

8/11

Created an excellent impression in winning his first 3 starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury. Had little go right when pulled up in Baring Bingham at Cheltenham, before resuming winning ways in listed novice at Perth in April. Exciting recruit to chasing.

Form: 9/111P1-

Talk To The Man¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 143| D

10/3

Point winner who impressed when winning first 2 starts over hurdles for Paul Nicholls, before shaping as if amiss in the Sefton at this venue. After 6 months off, made a smooth transition to chasing when scoring at Worcester 17 days ago on stable debut. Can make a bold bid.

Form: 54/11P-1

Taurus Bay²⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 135| C

13/2

Well-made gelding who was successful in an Irish point before winning a pair of novice hurdles last season, including at this venue. Only narrowly denied in Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham in January, before having excuses in the Baring Bingham at the Festival. Respected on chasing debut.

Form: 1/1120-

Non-Runners

Chanceawetmorning²⁴

Weight: 11-4| Age: 6

T: G Elliott J: Non Runner

Off The Jury¹

Weight: 11-4| Age: 7

T: M Bowen J: Harry Cobden

Forecasts

No Drama This End (8/11), Talk To The Man (10/3), Favour And Fortune (11/2), Taurus Bay (13/2), Chanceawetmorning (12/1), Off The Jury (33/1)

Preference is for TALK TO THE MAN, who bettered his hurdles form at the first attempt sent chasing when winning a Worcester maiden in good style last month. He looks set to go on to better things over fences and can see off the challenge of No Drama This End, whose yard has a fine record in this race. Taurus Bay also appeals as the type to make a chaser and could be in the mix.