Cream Gorse Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 4m 10.6s

Elkstone^h,t¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: R T Dunne| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 100

10/3

Two falls from last four starts doesn't inspire confidence, but showed a little more on latest outing when third to Un Prophete at Southwell, the first time tongue tie possibly helping the situation. Will probably try and make all here, and return to a right-handed track probably a positive too.

Form: F32322-

Edgar^v¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Jake Hodson⁽⁵⁾| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 99

9/2

Sprang a minor surprise at Towcester last time, catching the tiring leader in the shadow of the post to claim a one-length win. Handicapper has put him up 4lb for that, which makes life a bit harder, but this ground will be fine and as one of only a few coming into this in any form, has to be given consideration.

Form: F-3213P

Barton Rose⁵⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 99

7/2

Only had the three chase starts (two for Michael Blake, one for current trainer) so is open to some improvement, and will like this ground better than Hereford last time out when she got bogged down in the mud. Jumped well enough there to think she can take a hand here, as this looks easier, and has to be on the shortlist.

Form: 2641PP-

Triple Chief^p³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: C Gethings⁽⁵⁾| T: C J Down| OR: 97

7/1

Only the one win from 25 starts suggests he's tricky to catch right, and was never travelling with any purpose at Plumpton last time, off the bridle from an early stage and merely plodding on past beaten horses. Seems to act on all ground and trip is fine, but more likelier winners in the field.

Form: 534312-

Agreement²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Robert Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs N S Evans| OR: 95

7/1

Modest stayer on the flat has done little better over hurdles/fences to date, and although he picked up a good proportion of the place money here at Leicester last time, in truth he never had any chance with the easy winner. Difficult to know what to expect on only his second chase start, but passed over until showing a bit more form.

Form: 87/0025-

Brinestine^p,t³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: James Banks| T: Mrs E Bishop| OR: 91

7/2

Has shown promise on both chase starts this winter, finishing third to Show's Over at Ludlow and then (with cheekpieces, on again today) second at Leicester, rallying well for pressure to finish second to Baraza, beaten three lengths. Seems to go best on good ground so will need the ground here to continue to dry, but holds a solid chance of victory, with more improvement possible.

Form: 665432

Non-Runners

Some Finish³⁵

Weight: 11-4| Age: 8

T: R Dickin J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Elkstone (10/3), Barton Rose (7/2), Brinestine (7/2), Edgar (9/2), Triple Chief (7/1), Agreement (7/1), Some Finish (8/1)

The two to concentrate on look to be BARTON ROSE, who can be forgiven a poor effort last time out as the ground at Hereford was too soft, and Brinestine, who has done little wrong over fences to date and may well have more to offer. Preference is just for the Charlie Longsden runner, as the yard appears to be coming back to form and they're worth following when then do. It's wide open for third, with all five holding some sort of claim, but Elkstone is just given the nod in the hope his jumping holds up. 1. Barton Rose 2. Brinestine 3. Elkstone