2.20 Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1f

He’s Gorgeous: Beginners chase winner looks out of his depth here.

Irish Panther: Smart addition to the Hartys’ yard, placing in two listed hurdles. Made a taking start over fences last month, winning by eight lengths, with the second and third each scoring next time out. He is one of just two contenders with a single chase start under his belt.

Nurburgring: Got off the mark over fences in July but has failed to fire since and is up against it.

Romeo Coolio: We learnt little about the Grade 1-winning hurdler on his chase debut, with two fences omitted, but he couldn’t have been more impressive in the Drinmore Novice Chase next time out. Both his starts over fences came over two and a half miles, but his best hurdle performance was over two miles here.

Salvator Mundi: Beat Romeo Coolio comprehensively in an Aintree Grade 1 last season, but some of Gordon Elliott’s horses disappointed towards the end of last term, and aside from that, this is a different discipline, and Salvator Mundi was beaten on his chase debut.

Shraheen: Beaten 19 lengths by Kopek Des Bordes on sole start over fences.

Westport Cove: Has done little wrong over fences, winning a Grade 3 and Grade 2 on his last two starts, but faces stiffer competition here.

Break My Soul: Winning chase debut looked smart, but the runner-up was subsequently beaten further by Westport Cove and Break My Soul herself disappointed next time.

July Flower: Talented hurdler taken to fences well, impressing first time and landing a Grade 2 against geldings last month. The Cheltenham runner-up chased home Lulamba in a Grade 1 next time, but it’s difficult to know how highly to rate the form of a four-horse field.

Conclusion

It’s difficult to look past Romeo Coolio as the likely winner but, given his odds, an each-way bet or betting without the favourite might be better value. July Flower is my choice, having taken so well to fences, most importantly against geldings last time out.