M.I.P. Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:24 | Winning time: 5m 44.3s

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Selected odds by:

Bear Ghylls²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 140| BF

10/3

Had a fine season as a novice hurdler in 2020/21 winnings his first 3 starts. Shaped much better than the bare result after 20 months on the sidelines when third on chasing debut at Carlisle 3 weeks ago and he's the type to progress considerably with that under his belt.

Form: 11114/3

Serious Charges²²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Aidan Coleman| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 133| BF| C| D

3/1

Went from strength-to-strength over hurdles last season, completing hat-trick on handicap debut with ease at this course (23.3f) in March. Possibly found a better handicap a shock to the system at Aintree a month later and now attentions are turned to chasing.

Form: 2/21116-

Fern Hill²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: J M Quinlan| T: B I Case| OR: 133

15/2

Won twice over hurdles and found just one too good on 4 of 5 starts since switched to fences, including on reappearance at Chepstow last month. Respected.

Form: P/2252-2

Surrey Quest^t²⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul O'Brien| T: N J Henderson| OR: 130

18/1

Looked a good prospect when making it 2 from 2 over hurdles at Doncaster last December. Ran badly in Warwick Grade 2 (found to be coughing) and back on track to an extent when seventh in the EBF Final at Sandown on handicap debut. Chase debut today.

Form: 211P7-

Arizona Cardinal²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 125| C

3/1

Made a successful debut over fences after a breathing operation/7 months off in 2m4f handicap chase at Bangor 26 days ago. Has a 5 lb hike in the weights to overcome but is effective over this longer trip and should go close.

Form: P4161-1

Super Survivor²¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 123

5/1

Bought for £115,000 after finishing runner-up sole start in Irish points. Won novice at Doncaster (19.5f) on hurdling debut and having finished runner-up next time, resumed winning ways at Carlisle in April. One to look out for on chase debut with yard amongst the winners.

Form: 2121-

Benny's Oscar⁶²¹

25/1

Point winner at fourth attempt and made a successful transition to hurdling at Warwick back in February 2021. Similar form when runner-up at Newcastle under a penalty 3 weeks later and watching brief advised after 20 months off the track (had wind op) now over fences.

Form: 553112/

Grange Road¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: K Brogan| T: G Hanmer| OR: 118

40/1

Failed to kick on from a positive start over hurdles for Paul Nicholls and seemed amiss on chasing debut on final start for that yard. Back on track when fourth at Ludlow earlier this month and quickly switched back over fences.

Form: 2F32-P4

Forecasts

Arizona Cardinal (3/1), Serious Charges (3/1), Bear Ghylls (10/3), Super Survivor (5/1), Fern Hill (15/2), Surrey Quest (18/1), Benny's Oscar (25/1), Grange Road (40/1)

Having enjoyed a fine season novice hurdling in 2020/21, BEAR GHYLLS made an encouraging start to life over fences after a lengthy absence at Carlisle 3 weeks ago. Provided all is well, Nicky Martin's charge gets the verdict to come out on top with considerable progress a distinct possibility. Arizona Cardinal would be a major player if taking his chance (engaged at Ascot on Saturday), but Super Survivor is put forward as the main danger instead for the in-form Jamie Snowden yard.