4.00pm Stratford Tips and Betting Preview 02/10/17

A competitive looking early season Novices’ Chase, a few useful hurdlers try out a new discipline here. Read on for our expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: BRAAVOS (9/4) looks to have a very solid chance in this company, he is very genuine and should be bang there. Valhalla could be in with a chance if transferring the best of his hurdles form but isn’t the most reliable.

1 ABBREVIATE – Rated 129 over hurdles, he has something to find with some of these now switching to chasing for the first time. However, he seems the type that will like a fence, even if taking well to the game he’ll need more to get involved.

2 BRAAVOS – Won in very game style by a neck last time over 2m 4f, but will stay this trip having run over further in his career. He comes into the race in good form and it will be no surprise if he is there pitching when it gets serious.

3 SAM RED – Just about the best of these over hurdles and if transferring that form to fences he’ll be bang there at the business end. Pieces of form, including a three length loss to the classy Ami Desbois, look very good in this company and he must have a solid chance.

4 SOME ARE LUCKY – Has a decent chunk to find on ratings, but has the benefit of experience over fences which can be very valuable in these novice events. There is a slight concern over the ground on which his record is 0-4 but he’s not a forlorn hope.

5 VALHALLA – A frustrating horse who often flatters to deceive and finds less than expected off the bridle, but he is clearly talented and, if putting his best foot forward like he did when winning well off 132 over hurdles earlier in the year, he has a shout.