Ellie French Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:45 | Winning time: 6m 46.58s

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Selected odds by:

Shanagh Bob^p,t1³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: David Noonan| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 128

9/2

Grade 2 winner as a novice over hurdles, but generally well below that level during 2024/25 campaign. Bettered previous chase efforts when opening his account in this sphere at Ludlow, but only had one rival to beat that day and again didn't look a natural over fences. Debut for new yard.

Form: 52500-1

Hugos New Horse^p⁵⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 127| D

5/4

Five-time hurdle winner in 2022/23 campaign and while it's hardly been plain sailing since, he won with a bit in hand when opening his chase account at Plumpton (25.7f, good) in April. Remains on a good mark up 4 lb and he has to enter calculations.

Form: 0P/72P1-

Hung Jury^p⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Freddie Keighley⁽¹⁰⁾| T: M Keighley| OR: 125

7/1

Multiple winning pointer who, having failed to land a blow in a couple of maiden hurdles, took a sizeable step forward when landing a big-field hunter at (32.4f, good) last month. More needed now venturing down the handicap route, but he is at least unexposed under Rules.

Form: 49556-1

Art Of Diplomacy^p¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-7| J: Shane Fenelon⁽⁵⁾| T: M Bowen| OR: 111

15/8

Flat winner who won 3 times over hurdles for Dr Richard Newland. Yet to get his head in front in this sphere, but placed on 6 of his 7 starts in handicap chases and he was a decent second off this mark at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) recently. Leading claims.

Form: 32334-2

Forecasts

Hugos New Horse (5/4), Art Of Diplomacy (15/8), Shanagh Bob (9/2), Hung Jury (7/1)

A first taste of success over fences beckons for ART OF DIPLOMACY, who pulled miles clear of the other two when chasing home one who has been rejuvenated by the switch to James Owen's yard at Uttoxeter and he is on a good mark. Hugos New Horse did the job well when opening his chase account last time and he is the clear main danger ahead of Cheltenham hunter winner Hung Jury.