Read Harry Cobden's Blog At PlanetSportBet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 5m 25.69s

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Rock My Way^t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Hosie| OR: 132

6/1

Didn't really go on over hurdles after notching a Grade 2 novice hurdle win at Cheltenham last year but his debut chasing effort when second of 5 in handicap at Plumpton (19.8f, good to soft) was a decent start in this sphere. May not have loads in hand from current mark but respected all the same.

Form: P9-0562

Henry's Friend³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 129

7/4

Showed useful form at only the second time of asking over fences when landing 7-runner handicap chase at Newbury (22.4f, soft, 17/2) 30 days ago. All out to score there but he's open to further improvement as a chaser and still looks well treated following a 3 lb rise.

Form: 2410-51

Deeper Blue⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: J J Burke| T: H Fry| OR: 128

16/1

Improved when winning maiden and handicap hurdles in spring 2022. Missed the bulk of last season but showed he retains ability when runner-up on his return at Plumpton. Bit to prove after lacklustre effort at Doncaster last time, though.

Form: 511/6-28

Harbour Lake³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 128| D

9/2

Won his first 4 completed starts over hurdles and held his own in to-end handicaps subsequently last term. Well backed but made errors before pulling up on chase debut, though he has the physiqeue for this discipline and should do better.

Form: 34P45-P

Supreme Gift³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Alice Stevens⁽⁵⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 127

8/1

Triple winner in novice hurdles last season and improved from his chasing debut to score in a 4-runner Ascot handicap in November. Not in the same form at Aintree on Boxing Day, so bounce back is called for.

Form: 194-314

Russian Ruler^p1³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 125

10/1

Evidently not been the easiest to train but he seemed on the improve when landing Newbury handicap and Kempton novice late last season. Showed aptitude on his chase debut bu seemed in discomfort from some way out at Kempton on Boxing Day and he's got something to prove now.

Form: PF11-4P

Hardy Fella⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 124

9/2

Progressive staying hurdler last season and surpassed that form on the second attempt over fences when scrambling home at Fontwell in November. Fifth at Plumpton since and others still appeal as better-treated.

Form: 221-415

Non-Runners

Sageburg County⁴⁵

Weight: 10-11| Age: 7

T: W Greatrex J: H Cobden

Forecasts

Henry's Friend (7/4), Hardy Fella (9/2), Harbour Lake (9/2), Rock My Way (6/1), Sageburg County (8/1), Supreme Gift (8/1), Russian Ruler (10/1), Deeper Blue (16/1)

HENRY'S FRIEND has been given only a marginal rise for last month's Newbury success, and with further improvement likely to come, is fancied to follow up. Rock My Way made a solid start to his chasing career at Plumpton last time and is of interest again, whilst Harbour Lake will surely prove better than he was able to show on chase debut and may be worth another chance.