Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 3m 58.3s

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Selected odds by:

Edwardstone⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 159| CD

10/11

Smart hurdler who has taken very well to fences, laying down his marker as a serious Arkle candidate with victories in the Henry VIII at Sandown and a Kempton Grade 2 the last twice. The one to beat.

Form: 53-B111

Third Time Lucki¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 153| D

2/1

Dual winner of Cheltenham novice chases before aggressive tactics backfired when third to Edwardstone in the Henry VIII. Easily resumed winning ways at Doncaster since and remains open to improvement.

Form: 64-1131

Brave Seasca²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 145| CD

9/2

Hasn't looked back following a low-key start over fences in November, completing the hat-trick in good style in a C&D handicap last month. This is much tougher, but he shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 41-6111

For Pleasure¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Kielan Woods| T: A M Hales| OR: 140| D

25/1

Likeable front-runner who opened his chase account at Plumpton in December. Looked a sitting duck for Third Time Lucki when falling at the last at Doncaster recently, though, and he's vulnerable.

Form: 35-F31F

Forecasts

Edwardstone (10/11), Third Time Lucki (2/1), Brave Seasca (9/2), For Pleasure (25/1)

EDWARDSTONE was pretty smart over hurdles, but he looks destined for even bigger things in this sphere judged on his authoritative displays in notable novice chases at Sandown and Kempton. The 8-y-o is taken to book his ticket for the Arkle at next month's Cheltenham Festival by adding this prize to his haul. Brave Seasca is marginally preferred to Third Time Lucki for forecast purposes.