SIS Cavalry Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 5m 19.8s

Domesday Book^b1⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Brendan Powell| T: S Edmunds| OR: 138

8/1

Had a touch of class about him when racing in Ireland for Henry De Bromhead, often mixing it in good company (saw a distant view of Douvan on more than one occasion) although any progression seems to have plateaued for the time being. However, new trainer has an excellent record at readying them first time up for his yard (3-5 over the past year) and with trip and ground fine here, has to be considered.

Form: 130-456

Mad Jack Mytton²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 135

8/1

Another with plenty of class over hurdles, often taking part in the big handicaps but possibly happier in smaller fields. Has done little wrong on both chase starts to date, making the useful O O Seven pull out all the stops at Huntingdon and then second to Clic Work at Taunton, but has shown signs of temperament at times (can hang) and although an obvious chance, possibly not one to rely on.

Form: U5-P225

Mercian Prince^t1¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 135

6/4

In cracking form lately, winning three of his last six and was far from done with when falling three out at Cheltenham in a classy contest for the money (winner Royal Vacation being talked of as an RSA horse). Trips at around this distance seem to suit and goes on most ground and may not have finished winning yet.

Form: P31F21

Dark Flame¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: A Glassonbury| T: R Rowe| OR: 135

6/1

Winner of a novice chase at Sandown in November but has found life harder off his revised mark in two starts since, although did little wrong when third to Poker School at Ascot in December. Likely to have been well behind Mercian Prince at Cheltenham last time had that one stood up and probably needs to progress again here to get involved.

Form: 1-13862

Always On The Run^h³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 134

10/1

Disappointing lately (when held up off the pace) but won three handicaps last year when making all the running at Kempton (twice) and Kelso; now just 1lb higher than last winning mark. Nothing wrong with the trip, the ground is also fine and with no pace setter in the race, a return to front running could see him in a much better light. Risky, but not discounted.

Form: 183252-

Crosspark¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: S Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 132

10/3

Looked to have a good chasing future ahead of him when beating Keltus at Southwell last year, not coming off the bridle to record an easy four length victory. Not happened for him yet, but second at Uttoxeter in November is working out very well form-wise, and wasn't done with when falling here last time. Needs to turn it around, but another with a chance in an open race.

Form: 1262U1

Non-Runners

Morning Reggie⁴⁰

Weight: 10-4| Age: 8

T: O Sherwood J: L P Aspell

Forecasts

Mercian Prince (6/4), Crosspark (10/3), Dark Flame (6/1), Domesday Book (8/1), Mad Jack Mytton (8/1), Always On The Run (10/1), Morning Reggie (10/1)

Plenty of these can be given a chance on the best of their form, but Stuart Edmunds can clearly get them ready first time and top weight DOMESDAY BOOK will find this a bit easier than some of the tasks he was given by Henry De Bromhead in Ireland. Trip and ground look ideal and the change of headgear might help too. Mercian Prince is much improved this term and can get in the money again, with Crosspark looking to bounce back after a fall last time. 1. Domesday Book 2. Mercian Prince 3. Crosspark