Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:56 | Winning time: 4m 12.0s

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Selected odds by:

Iberico Lord²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144

8/11

Made up into a smart hurdler last term, winning a couple of big handicaps, including the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Wasn't sparkling in making a successful start over fences in Kempton maiden on return but the scope for better is obvious.

Form: 2/171P-1

Western Zephyr³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 136

8/1

Good strike rate over hurdles and some good efforts over fences last season. Finally got off the mark in this sphere on return following a wind op in 5-runner handicap at Carlisle and more than backed that up when second in Grade 2 at Cheltenham 5 weeks ago. Remains of interest back in a handicap.

Form: 454P-12

Ryan's Rocket²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 128

9/4

£110,000 Irish point winner who made a bright start over hurdles, winning novices at Taunton and Kempton in the spring. Disappointed when fourth in Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow on return but firmly back on track when making a winning chase/handicap debut there 4 weeks ago. More to come.

Form: 021-141

Here Comes Georgie^t³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Lee Edwards| T: P Neville| OR: 119| D

10/1

Landed back-to-back 2m Perth handicaps over hurdles and quickly resumed winning ways when off the mark at the second attempt over fences at Wetherby 5 weeks ago. Has work to do from 6 lb out of the handicap here, however.

Form: 6-P1171

Forecasts

Iberico Lord (8/11), Ryan's Rocket (9/4), Western Zephyr (8/1), Here Comes Georgie (10/1)

RYAN'S ROCKET created a good impression when making a winning chase/handicap bow at Chepstow 4 weeks ago and remains on a fair mark up 7 lb. The obvious threat is Iberico Lord, who made a satisfactory start to his chasing career when winning a maiden at Kempton and has the scope to do a lot better on hurdles form.