mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase

Off time: 13:16 | Winning time: 6m 42.1s

1^st

Black Corton

611-8

4/1

T: P F NichollsJ: Bryony Frost

Tracked leader, challenged after 4 out, not fluent next, led before 2 out, 1 length advantage last, ridden clear flat, stayed on well tchd 7/2 and tchd 9/2

2^nd

Ballyoptic

711-8

10/11f

T: N A Twiston-DaviesJ: R Johnson

Led, blundered 10th, joined after 4 out, headed before 2 out, ridden between last 2, 1 length down when blundered last, not pace of winner flat op 11/10 tchd 11/8

3^rd

West Approach

711-5

7/4

T: C L TizzardJ: T Scudamore

Not fluent 1st, tracked rival pair, jumped slowly on occasions, driven and outpaced after 3 out, no chance with clear pair from next, tailed off op 13/8 tchd 5/4

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Betting Breakdown

Tote Win:£4.20EX:£7.90Trifecta:£7.90SF:£8.08

Forecasts

Ballyoptic (10/11), West Approach (7/4), Black Corton (4/1)

Cases can be made for all three of these. Black Corton has been skilfully placed and has to be respected, but he meets two potential top-notchers in West Approach and BALLYOPTIC. The latter is extremely tough and may be able to grind this out up the hill.