Bet toteplacepot Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 3m 59.59s

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For Yes⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Coltherd⁽⁵⁾| T: W Coltherd| C

18/1

Understandably no match for a couple of higher rated rivals over 2m4f here last Saturday, but possibly out ran his odds of 66/1. However, hard to imagine that this drop in trip will suit this dual Point-to-Point winner, and this looks tougher.

Form: 33-P513

Here Comes Love^t³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: D R Fox| T: P Griffin| OR: 83

66/1

10 race maiden who probably ran his best race over hurdles at Ayr in January (2m heavy) when 14L third to Suprise Vendor. Only modest form in a couple of recent attempts over fences and might need a longer trip based upon those showings.

Form: 67367-6

Mount Beckham³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: A W Short⁽⁷⁾| T: C Cannon| D

12/1

Won a 2m maiden hurdle at Down Royal (soft) in March 2016, but his form has tailed off a fraction since. Unexposed over fences, and held little chance against Townshend on his chasing debut at Punchestown last month, and Peace And Co aside, this looks more realistic.

Form: 8/8700-4

Peace And Co^h⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144| D

1/5

A class above these rivals over hurdles, and demonstrated that ability when landing the 2015 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Fair to say not much has gone right for him since upped in class in races such as the International Hurdle and the 2016 Champion Hurdle. Finished lame when dropped to a handicap latest (Swinton Hurdle), but really should get off the mark over fences at the first attempt against these rivals assuming all is well.

Form: 163P/0-0

Vic's Last Stand²²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: B S Hughes| T: G Boanas| OR: 108

9/2

Won three consecutive races for Keith Reveley in August and September 2016 (2m to 2m4f), but climbed the weights accordingly, and despite initially running consistently, has slowly become held by the handicapper over hurdles. Goes chasing for the first time on the back of a fair effort at this track earlier in the month (over 3m).

Form: 3526-44

Forecasts

Peace And Co (1/5), Vic's Last Stand (9/2), Mount Beckham (12/1), For Yes (18/1), Here Comes Love (66/1)

The 2015 Triumph Hurdle winner PEACE AND CO goes over fences for the first time in an attempt to get his career back on track. This race revolves around this classy novice, and barring unforeseen accidents he will take this race in his stride. Whilst some might question why he makes his fencing debut at Hexham, and take this as a negative, it's worth bearing in mind that Nicky Henderson has saddled winners at this track in the not too distant past which have included the classy Vyta Du Roc (in these silks).