Coral Pendil Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:27 | Winning time: 5m 7.65s

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Selected odds by:

Pembroke^t³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 143| D

9/2

Useful chaser who walked over here in November and emerged as only finisher under gruelling conditions in 4-runner Aintree novice chase. Seemed to run his best race without landing a blow when 8 lengths third of 5 to Jpr One in similar event at Lingfield last month and now heads up in trip.

Form: 5-24113

Blow Your Wad^p,t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 140| CD

13/8

Solid return when second over hurdles in Silver Trophy at Chepstow and built on chase debut promise (behind reopposing Le Patron) when coming out on top in handicap over C&D on Boxing Day. Possibly unsuited by track last time (lost shoe), so fancied to get back on track with cheekpieces reapplied.

Form: 19-2216

Soul Icon^h,t⁵⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: G Sheehan| T: Kieran Burke| OR: 133| D

16/1

Real success story in handicap hurdles, adding another victory to his tally on return at Fontwell (19.2f) in October. Back in a hood for his chasing debut and probably would have won but for departing late on but never really competitive in Wayward Lad here over Christmas. Others preferred.

Form: P7-14U3

Tahmuras^p¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| BF| D

5/2

Created a good impression when winning his first 3 starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown. Cast aside a tame chase debut when scoring in first-time cheekpieces at Aintree on Boxing Day and similar form when runner-up at Exeter since. Lots to like given yard's record in this.

Form: 107-312

Arclight⁶⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 136| C| D

9/2

Fairly useful form when winning her first 2 starts over hurdles. Much better over fences, however, again jumping fluently when making it 3 from 3 in this sphere in a listed contest at Wincanton (20.2f, heavy) last time. Steps up in grade but likely to have even more to offer for her top yard.

Form: 288-111

Non-Runners

Le Patron²¹

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: G & J Moore J: David Noonan

Forecasts

Blow Your Wad (13/8), Tahmuras (5/2), Le Patron (7/2), Pembroke (9/2), Arclight (9/2), Soul Icon (16/1)

Paul Nicholls recorded a third consecutive win (and a thirteenth overall) when taking this with Solo last year and he can enhance that record further with TAHMURAS, who left his chasing debut effort well behind when scoring at Aintree on Boxing Day and confirmed that improvement when finishing runner-up at Exeter next time. Grade 1 winner Le Patron rates as an obvious danger, while Arclight, who is unbeaten in 3 starts over fences, adds another layer of intrigue to an open-looking Grade 2.