Howden Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 4m 42.77s

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Selected odds by:

Unexpected Party^t¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 144| CD

13/2

Emerged with credit against some of the top-flight British novice chasers of 2022/23 and made a fine return as he saw off Knappers Hill in listed Chepstow novice. Disappointing fifth in Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown 13 days ago but the sort to bounce back.

Form: 353-155

Djelo²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 143| D

6/5

Has advanced his form significantly over fences this winter with wins at Aintree and Nebury, having something to spare when landing 2m handicap on latter occasion. Smart prospect who holds leading claims.

Form: 2308-11

Kandoo Kid^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 136| C

4/1

Bumper/hurdles winner in 2021 who has progressed with each of his three runs in this sphere, taking 7-runner handicap chase at Newbury (19.8f, good to soft) 21 days ago. This demands more but he can't be ruled out.

Form: 1/37-221

Might I^p,t³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: J J Burke| T: H Fry| OR: 145| D

5/2

Useful hurdler who showed a similar level on his chasing debut when runner-up at Newton Abbot in October. Finished alone in a match at Exeter following month and can't be discounted despite the step up in grade.

Form: 824-521

Forecasts

Djelo (6/5), Might I (5/2), Kandoo Kid (4/1), Unexpected Party (13/2)

DJELO hasn't looked back since sent chasing and can take this step up in class in his stride to make it 3-3. Might I also has better days ahead of him and rates the main danger to Venetia Williams' exciting prospect, with both Kandoo Kid and Unexpected Party not ruled out either in an intriguing contest.