Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 6m 42.41s

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Selected odds by:

Broadway Boy^p1⁹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 150| CD

9/1

Made a successful start over fences in a Worcester novice and has scored twice at Cheltenham since, the form of his handicap win in December boosted by the second and third subsequently. Faced a tough ask having to concede weight when third of 5 at Warwick in January. Cheekpieces reached for.

Form: 1-12113

Chianti Classico^t³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 154| D

6/1

Completed a hat-trick over hurdles last season and has quickly developed into a smart chaser, making it 3 wins from 4 starts in this sphere with an assured display in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Up in grade but he has the potential of even more still to offer over fences.

Form: 1P-1121

Giovinco³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: S Mulqueen| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 148| CD

8/1

Unbeaten in 3 starts over hurdles and largely progressive sent chasing this season, winning novice handicap at this C&D on his second outing of the campaign. Soon back on track in a match at Newcastle in February, before an excellent third in the Broadway Chase at Cheltenham. Not discounted.

Form: U12P13

Heart Wood⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 153

5/1

Winner over hurdles in France and shaped encouragingly when runner-up in maiden chases on his first 3 starts for current yard. Switched to handicapping, proved a different proposition when landing the Leopardstown Chase in February in impressive style. Well worth his place at this level.

Form: 61/2-221

Inothewayurthinkin²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: M P Walsh| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 158

6/4

Useful novice hurdler and even better form over fences, justifying strong support when opening his chase account in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham under a confident ride (form of his third to Gaelic Warrior at Limerick in December boosted in the Arkle). Major player with further progress to come.

Form: 4-22391

Iroko^t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 149

9/2

Thrived over hurdles in 2022/23, successful in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and good third in the Sefton at this meeting. Easy winner of a Warwick novice on his seasonal/chase debut, before mid-field in the Golden Miller at Cheltenham after a 4-month absence. Remains open to improvement.

Form: 1113-15

Forecasts

Inothewayurthinkin (6/4), Iroko (9/2), Heart Wood (5/1), Chianti Classico (6/1), Giovinco (8/1), Broadway Boy (9/1)

INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN recorded a first success over fences in fine style when landing the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, relishing the step up in trip, and he can continue his progression to follow up returned to Grade 1 company. Heart Wood also showed improved form when winning a major handicap at Leopardstown on his latest outing and is feared most, ahead of Chianti Classico.