Exeter Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:38 | Winning time: 5m 4.85s

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Selected odds by:

Pic Roc⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 132| BF| D

5/6

Useful winning hurdler who ran two crackers in Sandown handicaps to end last season. Has all the hallmarks of a useful chaser and, despite departing early on return at Carlisle in November, gave a suggestion after 7 months off that that will prove the case. Remains an exciting prospect.

Form: 52122-F

Issam^t²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Jordan Nailor| T: T Symonds| OR: 126| CD

7/1

Won twice last season and returned with a rallying fourth in Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las in October. Poor effort at Newbury next time but took a step back in the right direction at this track (18.5f, soft) since. Others more appealing on chase debut.

Form: 201-463

Alcedo³³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 121| C

7/2

Useful bumper performer who shrugged off a disappointing hurdle debut at Chepstow in October 2023 when running out an easy winner of a 16-runner maiden here 2 months later. Ran well next time, then pulled up in Prestige Novices' at Haydock 11 months ago. Notable chasing debutant on return.

Form: 12/012P-

Denemethy^t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 120

13/2

Irish point winner who made it third time lucky under Rules when landing a Wincanton maiden hurdle in March. Low-key return/chasing debut here but opened his account in this sphere at the second attempt albeit fortuitously at Market Rasen (17.2f, good to soft) on Boxing Day. Now 4 lb higher.

Form: 2716-41

Astronomic View^p³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: Lucy Gardner| T: Mrs S Gardner| OR: 116| C

9/1

Wide-margin success at Warwick (26f, heavy) in March did his mark no favours but ran creditably after 7 months off when third at Newton Abbot (21.5f) in October. Struggled in stronger company the last twice and now attentions are turned to the larger obstacles. Yard form a worry.

Form: 314-389

Wellwillya^p²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Lorcan Murtagh| T: Mrs H R J Nelmes| OR: 76| C

100/1

Took form up a notch when getting off the mark on chasing bow in 12-runner handicap chase here in October. Not in the same form at Hereford next time but took a step back in the right direction when fourth over C&D last month. Faces a struggle from miles out of the weights here.

Form: 5-PP1P4

Forecasts

Pic Roc (5/6), Alcedo (7/2), Denemethy (13/2), Issam (7/1), Astronomic View (9/1), Wellwillya (100/1)

PIC ROC may have departed early on his return/chase debut at Carlisle, but he has all the hallmarks of a useful chaser and is fancied to make amends provided he's none the worse from that spill. The main danger may emerge from Alcedo, who hasn't been seen since being pulled up in the Prestige Novices' at Haydock 11 months ago but rates as a notable chasing debutant for Venetia Williams. Denemethy, who was a fortunate winner last time, completes the shortlist.