Happy New Year From Paxtons Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 5m 10.9s

Mr Mole^b1³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 138

12/1

Talented hurdler and chaser, but appears to have regressed over the past 12 months, and has only raced three times since New Year's Day 2016. Didn't appear keen when last seen in the Castleford Chase at Wetherby over the festive period, with his handicap rating plummeting 12lb since November 2016. Connections must hope this easier grade and first time blinkers spark a revival.

Form: 50-P8PF

Special Catch¹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: B S Hughes| T: J M Jefferson| OR: 135

2/1

In good form over fences last spring including when landing a 2m novices limited chase at Ayr in April 2016 (from a mark of 129). Kicked off this season in the same form back at Ayr (October) but hasn't been as effective twice since. Handled cut over hurdles, so any rain wouldn't be a worry on his first start for Malcolm Jefferson.

Form: 14P132

Raktiman^t¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 125

9/4

Sole success over fences came over this trip at Catterick in February 2016 but has been campaigned mainly over further since. Didn't appear to stay the 3m6f trip in the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick last time, but respected on previous run (second over 2m5f) to Templehills at Fakenham.

Form: 3173-84

Going Concern¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Paul Moloney| T: Evan Williams| OR: 124

11/4

Travelling well enough when falling three out at Ludlow in mid November, and placed (third) on each of his next two starts at Ludlow and Warwick. Has been dropped a couple of pounds and not discounted despite not winning since February 2015.

Form: 246-B6F

Caraline³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Joe Colliver| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 117

8/1

Thrived under this rider during late 2015/early 2016 winning four times from marks ranging from 80-113. Whilst this is a stronger race, she has had just a couple of runs so far this season (last month), and she could step forward again with Joe Colliver back aboard.

Form: 1111P-4

Non-Runners

Shadows Lengthen⁹¹

Weight: 11-2| Age: 11

T: M & D Easterby J: Jake Greenall

Forecasts

Special Catch (2/1), Raktiman (9/4), Going Concern (11/4), Shadows Lengthen (4/1), Caraline (8/1), Mr Mole (12/1)

Mr Mole is enigmatic, and up to dispatching these rivals if taking well to the first time blinkers, but on the whole is a very risky proposition. Special Catch makes his debut for Malcolm Jefferson, but his best runs of late have come up at Ayr, whilst Caraline is reunited with her 'friend' Joe Colliver. RAKTIMAN gets the vote at reasonable odds in an open contest, and could prove well suited by dropping back to this trip having run over a marathon distance at Catterick last time. 1. Raktiman 2. Caraline 3. Special Catch