racingtv.com/freetrial Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 6m 41.6s

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Selected odds by:

Rapid Flight²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Charlotte Jones⁽³⁾| T: James Moffatt| OR: 115| C

7/2

Produced a career-best when winning a 10-runner handicap at this track last month and came within a flared nostril in his follow-up bid just 4 days later. Back up in trip and fancied to be on the premises once again.

Form: 633-512

Oishin^t²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: S Mulqueen| T: M A Barnes| OR: 79

100/1

Lightly raced and nothing to shout about as of yet over fences, out of his depth at Hexham just under 3 weeks ago.

Form: 6/6P6-F3

Shantou Express²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 130

4/5

Second success of the spring over hurdles at Stratford last month, dominating a small field. Runner-up at Worcester since and having been under a cloud when making little impact both starts over fences over the winter, he's expected to be bang there in his current mood.

Form: 313-512

Taxmeifyoucan^v²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Craig Nichol| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 114| D

18/1

Capitalised on a much-reduced mark to score in a weak race at Perth (26f) last month but not in the same form on 3 subsequent starts (including twice on the level). Pulled up on his only start over the larger obstacles so tough to enthuse over here.

Form: 74871-5

Western Run²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 130

3/1

Came close to opening his account over fences on his second start at Galway last summer but it's been a mixed bag since in truth (4 non-completions from 8 starts), making little impact on both outings last month. However this may not take much winning so he warrants plenty respect.

Form: 3P0F-44

Forecasts

Shantou Express (4/5), Western Run (3/1), Rapid Flight (7/2), Taxmeifyoucan (18/1), Oishin (100/1)

SHANTOU EXPRESS failed to make much impact in a couple of outings over fences last winter but Kim Bailey's charge is in much better order currently (won twice over hurdles since) and he's fancied to open his account over the larger obstacles. The main threat could be Irish-raider Western Run, who encounters the longest trip he's faced to date here, with recent course winner Rapid Flight another who's fancied to be involved.