GB - Chepstow - Race 5

Thoroughbred

7 Runners

23.6f

Handicap Chase

Turf

Good to Soft (Soft in places)

16.0K

VIEW

Verdict

BECTIVE ABBEY was far from disgraced on his reappearance in an 18-runner handicap hurdle at Cheltenham and, likely to be sharper now, he is taken to go one better than on his debut in this sphere at Southwell during the summer. If Alan de Banks takes to fences at the first attempt he will be a big threat having showed plenty over hurdles last term. Ivaldi and Willmount are both talented and will also be dangerous if things click for them here.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Point winner who hit the target twice over hurdles and was second in 4-runner affair on chase debut at Southwell handicap in June. Encouraging return in a competitive, big-field handicap hurdle over 21f at Cheltenham last month and he's open to improvement back in this sphere. 1st Pick 6 Bective Abbey (Ire) Jockey: Freddie Gordon Trainer: Nicky Henderson J: Freddie Gordon T: Nicky Henderson	100	-	-	-	40%
Analysis Point winner who hit the target twice over hurdles and was second in 4-runner affair on chase debut at Southwell handicap in June. Encouraging return in a competitive, big-field handicap hurdle over 21f at Cheltenham last month and he's open to improvement back in this sphere.
7	Showed plenty in bumpers last season (first past the post on 2 of his 3 starts in that sphere) and made the frame all 3 starts over hurdles last season. Appeals as the type to make his mark in this sphere and can make his presence felt if all goes well in the jumping department. 2nd Pick 7 Alan De Banks (Ire) Jockey: Shane Fenelon Trainer: Mickey Bowen J: Shane Fenelon T: Mickey Bowen	92	-	-	-	12%	Scratched
Analysis Showed plenty in bumpers last season (first past the post on 2 of his 3 starts in that sphere) and made the frame all 3 starts over hurdles last season. Appeals as the type to make his mark in this sphere and can make his presence felt if all goes well in the jumping department.
3	Hurdles winner on sole start in France and opened account for Paul Nicholls in an Ascot handicap in April 2023. Limited to just 2 starts last season (poor on both occasions), but has undergone a wind op during the summer and he'll be a threat if the switch to fences helps reignite the flame. 3rd Pick 3 Ivaldi (Fr) Jockey: Lorcan Williams Trainer: Paul Nicholls J: Lorcan Williams T: Paul Nicholls	98	-	-	-	10%
Analysis Hurdles winner on sole start in France and opened account for Paul Nicholls in an Ascot handicap in April 2023. Limited to just 2 starts last season (poor on both occasions), but has undergone a wind op during the summer and he'll be a threat if the switch to fences helps reignite the flame.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Furlong

One furlong is an eighth of a mile.

Objection

Claim of foul lodged by a jockey for perceived dangerous or illegal riding by a rival.

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.