3:00 Chepstow Tips

The Kim Bailey-trained, Thomas Bellamy-ridden, The Kemble Brewery is top-rated on 129 for this Class 3 Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. The 6-year-old Blue Bresil gelding is making his seasonal debut, also his first time chasing, and this is his first race since having wind surgery. He is 2 from 5 hurdling, and if taking to the larger obstacles, he should go close.

Palacio goes well fresh and won at this track first time out last season. His trainer Sam Thomas is well worth following and is currently running at a 50% strike rate.

A winner on hurdles debut at Chepstow over two miles. He failed to add to that score in five subsequent starts but did make the frame on three occasions. Was not at his best on handicap debut at Fairyhouse when last seen in April. Could be more to come this time around, and this switch to fences could be the way to go.

Ben Pauling is noted as a trainer who has a successful record of turning hurdlers into chasers, and I'm hoping that Roysse continues the trend. He lost his way after a thrilling Uttoxeter victory over hurdles in January, and he can strike here with renewed interest over fences.

Southoftheborder is a strong all-round performer with a strong jumping pedigree, having won points over bumpers and hurdles. He is effective over this 2m and loves any ground, giving him plenty of chance to bounce back after being held previously. He’ll likely settle just off the pace and make a late challenge, using his stamina and could be a live each-way chance here if he jumps fluently and keeps his mojo under control.

If the favorite doesn't win this, it looks open, and the favorite may need the run. Tarahumara sluiced up in a novice hurdle here, so no problem with the course. Cobdon has won on the last 4 out of 9 mounts for Lavelle (+3.42/9). Tarahumara beat Lumi Plugin, who in turn beat Smugglers Haven, and that horse has since won a class 3 chase at Cheltenham. Has won 3 times when racing from a break. Could be time to catch him.

Previous course and distance winner over hurdles and needed the run last time on chase debut, which was his first in 5 months. Will be better this time around and worth an each-way interest.

The horse has a good strike rate, 42%. It is a previous course and class winner and may be able to place. EW bet here.