PNicholls

14:00

Like Minded

Meets some fair sorts on his chasing debut - Quentin Collonges sets the standard - but won a maiden point as far ago as February 2008, so hopefully he will be able to shine in this sphere. I'll be honest and say I would like him to find more off the bridle but there was certainly nothing wrong with his two-and-a-half length third to Knight Pass off a mark of 129 at Kempton on Boxing Day last time and Kells Belle, who was eight lengths behind him that day, won a listed race next time up. Is related to winning chasers, and hopefully chasing will see him fulfil his undoubted talent. Ryan takes 3lb off.

14:35

Balding Banker

This race is proof positive that, after the cold spell, every novice hurdle will take plenty of winning from now until Cheltenham. Balding Banker showed smart bumper form when winning at Newbury last season and had a breathing operation in the summer after disappointing badly at the same course next time. He ran a very good race when a three-and-a-quarter length second to Molotof first time up at Wincanton, and is 10lb better off with that admittedly improving rival here. However, he again ran below par at Cheltenham in December, finding little when asked. He has had a break since then and I hope he can show his true worth here today; if he does, then he clearly has a chance in a hot little race.

15:05

Carlicue

We had the Beginners' Chase as well as this race as an option for the fencing debut of Carlicue, but we went down the handicap route because I think a mark of 118 is fair. He won his point by 20 lengths and then showed great promise in winning his hurdle over 2m6f at Ffos Las. But it is fair to say that he has disappointed badly on both occasions since, being pulled up when well-backed for a handicap hurdle at Wincanton last season and when tailed off when favourite at Chepstow on his reappearance. I would ignore that Chepstow run and, although the fact that he has bled in the past is an obvious worry, I would like to think that he could be competitive here as chasing could well be the making of him.

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