1.50 2m. 3f. 187yds. 6 Declared. Coral John Francome Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Formerly Known As The Berkshire) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £50,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €28,475.00 2nd - €10,685.00 3rd - €5,350.00 4th - €2,665.00 5th - €1,340.00 6th - €670.00
Formscan - Last season's Ballymore favourite HERMES ALLEN makes his debut over fences at this level, which suggests he has schooled very well at home. The son of Poliglote is a Grade 1 winner over the smaller obstacles here and could make an immediate impression for the in-form Paul Nicholls yard. The main danger is Nickle Back, who has been mightily impressive on both of his chase starts, including when bolting up by 19 lengths at Stratford last time. Tightenourbelts edges out No Ordinary Joe to be best of the rest.