Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Musselburgh 2m4½f bet365 Frodon Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (5yo+) horse racing event.
Dedicated Hero made three unremarkable starts this season in Handicap Hurdles before being switched to fences, where he finished second in a Novices’ Chase at Ayr. He carries a relatively light weight and has a realistic chance of going one better.
Queens Gamble finished third on her sole appearance of the season in the Yorton Mares’ Novices’ Chase, a Listed race at Bangor. She is set to carry an additional 5lb this time, but still warrants respect.
Intense Approach won on his chasing debut before finishing fifth in a Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham over 3m1f, where he went off favourite. The drop back in trip could well suit him.
Elysian Knight failed to complete on his only start this season in a Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Chepstow, where he was sent off favourite. He does have a couple of hurdle wins to his name, with two and a half miles being his optimum distance.
Norn Iron has been favourite in all seven of his runs for Harry Derham, but has justified that support only once, when landing a Maiden Hurdle at Plumpton towards the end of last season. This term he has had two starts in two mile Novices’ Handicap Chases, finishing second and third. He carries one of the lowest weights in the field at 10-3.
Spadestep won a Novices’ Hurdle earlier this season before switching to fences, where he has finished second on three occasions, each time as favourite. His most recent run came on Tuesday.
Go West won on his seasonal debut, albeit against just one rival. He then went down by a nose in a Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase and finished last on his latest outing. Even so, this is not a particularly strong field and we are prepared to take a chance on him.
