1.55 2m. 3f. 187yds. 6 Declared. Coral John Francome Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Formerly Known As The Berkshire) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £75,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €42,712.00 2nd - €16,028.00 3rd - €8,025.00 4th - €3,998.00 5th - €2,010.00 6th - €1,005.00
Formscan - Having enjoyed a walkover on what was set to be his chase bow at Exeter earlier in the month, last season's Challow Hurdle winner Captain Teague is high on the shortlist. Paul Nicholls' charge will have no issues with the step back in distance, but THE JUKEBOX MAN is narrowly preferred. The son of Ask hit the frame on all three hurdle outings in Grade 1 company during his last campaign, including when just caught in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, and there is no reason why he won't prove a leading light now tackling fences. Johnnywho and Masaccio are other likeable types who both made winning starts to life over the larger obstacles.