Pendil Novices' Chase: Timeform's expert verdict

• Timeform's runner-by-runner guide to the Pendil Novices' Chase

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Pendil Novices' Chase
14:27 Kempton, Saturday
Live on ITV4

1. Le Patron (Gary Moore/ David Noonan)

Won first three starts over fences, his best performance coming when taking six-runner Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown (15.4f, soft) in December. Lost his unbeaten chasing record with a bit of a whimper in Scilly Isles back there three weeks ago, producing a sloppy round of jumping, so needs to quickly bounce back here.

2. Pembroke (Dan Skelton/ Harry Skelton)

Useful chaser who walked over here in November and emerged as only finisher under gruelling conditions in four-runner Aintree novice chase. Seemed to run his best race without landing a blow when eight lengths third of five to leading Arkle fancy Jpr One in similar event at Lingfield last month and now heads up in trip. Respected.

3. Blow Your Wad (Tom Lacey/ Stan Sheppard)

Solid return when second over hurdles in Silver Trophy at Chepstow and built on chase debut promise (behind reopposing Le Patron) when coming out on top in handicap over C&D on Boxing Day. Possibly unsuited by track last time (and also lost a shoe), so fancied to get back on track with cheekpieces added to the usual tongue-tie for the first time over fences.

4. Soul Icon (Keiran Burke/ Gavin Sheehan)

Real success story in handicap hurdles, adding another victory to his tally on return at Fontwell (19.2f) in October. Back in a hood for his chasing debut at Wincanton in November and probably would have won but for departing late on, but never really competitive in Wayward Lad here over Christmas. Others preferred.

5. Tahmuras (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Cobden)

Created a good impression when winning his first three starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown. Cast aside a tame chase debut when scoring in first-time cheekpieces at Aintree on Boxing Day and similar form when runner-up at Exeter since. Lots to like on ground that suits given his yard's excellent record in this.

6. Arclight (Nicky Henderson/ Nico de Boinville)

Fairly useful form when winning her first two starts over hurdles. Much better over fences, however, again jumping fluently when making it three from three in this sphere in a listed contest at Wincanton (20.2f, heavy) last time. Steps up in grade but likely to have even more to offer for her trainer who presumably has other stronger-looking options on paper for this race in the yard.

Timeform's Analyst Verdict:

Paul Nicholls recorded a third consecutive win (and a thirteenth overall) when taking this with Solo last year and he can enhance that record further with TAHMURAS, who left his chasing debut effort well behind when scoring at Aintree on Boxing Day and confirmed that improvement when finishing runner-up at Exeter next time. Grade 1 winner Le Patron rates as an obvious danger, while Arclight, who is unbeaten in 3 starts over fences, adds another layer of intrigue to an open-looking Grade 2.

Timeform's 1-2-3:

1. Tahmuras
2. Le Patron
3. Arclight