A competitive Class 5 handicap chase rounds off the Newton Abbot card, and the late withdrawal of recent course winner Edgewell has left the race looking wide open. With no obvious front-runner remaining, the pace is unlikely to be overly strong, placing a premium on tactical positioning and accurate jumping in the closing stages.

The progressive No More No sets the standard. Lawney Hill’s seven-year-old is unbeaten in two starts over fences and returned from a lengthy absence to score at Southwell last month, showing plenty of determination to defy a significant rise in the weights. Although another 3lb higher here, he remains lightly raced for his age and looks capable of further improvement over staying trips.

Perhaps the most intriguing runner is Premier Fantasy, who makes his handicap chase debut after shaping with promise in maiden hurdles for his new yard. A multiple point-to-point winner, he has the profile of a horse who could improve considerably now switched back to fences, and his current mark of 103 may underestimate his true ability if his jumping stands up under race conditions.

Course specialist Honey I’m Good arrives in good heart after chasing home the now-withdrawn Edgewell over this course and distance last month. That performance suggested she is returning to her best following a lengthy absence, and despite losing the assistance of a valuable claiming rider, she still looks one of the more reliable contenders in the field.

Great d’Ange produced his best effort for some time when runner-up over this course and distance earlier this month. If that revival proves genuine, he has claims of reaching the frame once again, although consistency has not been his strongest asset in recent seasons.

Last year’s winner Testflight returns to defend his crown from a workable handicap mark and should appreciate conditions, but his recent form suggests he may again find one or two younger, less exposed rivals too strong. Stablemate My Girl Katie, another previous course-and-distance winner, has the ability to feature but must overcome an 11-month absence, while Mcgregors Charge needs a dramatic return to form after several below-par efforts.

With progressive profiles often proving decisive in races of this nature, No More No is taken to confirm himself as a chaser on the upgrade. However, Premier Fantasy is the fascinating unknown and rates as the value alternative if translating his pointing ability back to regulation fences. Honey I’m Good appeals as the safest option to complete the placings.

Predicted 1-2-3

1. No More No
2. Premier Fantasy
3. Honey I’m Good

Best Bet: No More No
Value Selection: Premier Fantasy
Each-Way Alternative: Honey I’m Good