3.25 Chepstow: an intriguing beginners' chase you can't afford to miss

3.25 Chepstow
Myracing Supports Responsible Gambling Beginners' Chase (Class 3) | 2m7½f | 4yo+ | Sky

Why is it interesting?

Chepstow is renowned for its competitive novice chases and there is every chance this contest could contain some smart prospects.

Victory in last season’s race went to former Grade 1 winner The Worlds End, who went on to score at Cheltenham in November, while the runner-up Now McGinty also managed to finish second at Grade 2 level.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Truckers Lodge is the one to beat on ratings. His best effort came when second in an Albert Bartlett trial, and he has finished second and fourth on his two outings over fences.

The Evan Williams-trained Prime Venture has the most chase experience, having finished second at this track a year ago in the Welsh National trial before finishing fourth in the Midlands National.

Finawn Bawn: has won three of his five starts

Olly Murphy’s Finawn Bawn, who has won three of his five starts, makes his chasing debut under Richard Johnson, while Colin Tizzard’s progressive Copperhead can’t be ruled out after winning his last two races.

What do the stats say?

Truckers Lodge has won two from four at Chepstow, with one of his defeats by only half a length. He was beaten a long way last time, but his trainer believes he will improve from it.

Robbie Power has been riding with a strike-rate of 24 per cent in the last two weeks – and a level-stake profit of +26.70 – he looks to continue his good run with Copperhead.

What the trainers say?

Joe Tizzard, assistant and son of Colin, trainer of Copperhead
He finished off the season nicely last year. He's a lot stronger now and we just want to get a run into him. Chepstow is a lovely place to start them and then we'll be looking at a handicap somewhere. He's schooled well and this should be a nice introduction for him.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Finawn Bawn
He's a nice horse but this looks a competitive race. I'm sure he'll come on for his run but he's always been crying out for a fence. I'm looking forward to getting him started.

Evan Williams, trainer of Prime Venture
He had a good year last season without winning. He ran well but couldn't win, but I suppose we can still run in novice company, which gives us a few more options. He's run some good races around Chepstow and he's more than capable on his day. It'd be nice to win a race with him this season.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Truckers Lodge
He had a couple of nice runs over fences and he probably just needed the run the other day. He should be a whole lot sharper and fitter, so hopefully he'll run very well.

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips