Black Op out to restart chase career in hot beginners' contest

2.20 Stratford
Charlotte Cole Memorial Beginners' Chase | 2m5f | 4yo+ | RTV

Former Grade 1 winning hurdler Black Op looks to restart his career over fences as he heads a quality quintet in a competitive beginners' chase at Stratford.

Black Op run in two novice chases last season, finishing third at Exeter and Cheltenham. While his performances may have initially appeared disappointing, the three horses that finished ahead of him – Defi Du Seuil (twice), Topofthegame and Lostintranslation – turned out to be among the best British novice chasers last season.

The Tom George-trained eight-year-old then returned to hurdling where he shaped well in three starts, but connections are eager to kick on with his chasing career.

Among his rivals is Lisnagar Oscar, who finished fifth and third in top-level novice hurdles at Aintree and Cheltenham last season. The Rebecca Curtis-trained six-year-old finished a neck second on his chase debut at Chepstow this month.

Mr Antolini, winner of the 2018 Imperial Cup, makes his first start over fences for Nigel Twiston-Davies, while Emma Lavelle's Down The Highway and Mr Caffrey, trained by Richard Newland, complete the field.

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