Cottesmore 'Grassroots' Maiden Hunters' Chase

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 5m 36.6s

Bit Of A Barney³¹⁰

Age: 14| Weight: 12-2| J: Mr S Davies-Thomas⁽⁷⁾| T: C W Loggin

25/1

Showed improved form when making most of the running to win at the new point-to-point venue at Whitfield last time out; recorded a good time in the process and is likely to be one of those cutting out the early pace again here. The drop in trip is a slight concern though, as all his best efforts have been over 3m.

Form: 2/4723-1

Fitz Volonte²⁷³

Age: 10| Weight: 12-2| J: J Martin⁽⁵⁾| T: Andrew Martin| OR: 78

20/1

Back in the right grade of contest after struggling to make an impact under rules since joining his current trainer. Dangerous to read too much into his latest start where he finished a well beaten best of the rest behind a hot favourite; but not without hope if he can step things up a few notches back in this company.

Form: P223P1-

Kristian Gray¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: Mr S Lee⁽⁷⁾| T: F Hutsby

10/1

Unexposed and has plenty of scope. Made a mistake when already beaten last time out, so needs to keep his mind on the task this time around. However, his yard has a good strike-rate in races of this nature, so one to monitor closely in the betting.

Form: 3/22133-

Supreme Danehill^p¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 12-2| J: Mr Joe Hill⁽⁵⁾| T: A Hill| OR: 80

2/1

Effective in this grade and has solid claims on the pick of his efforts. However, he is a doughty stayer and it has to be debatable as to whether he needs an extreme distance to be seen at his best. Likes to race up with the pace but may find things happening a little quickly for his liking over this trip.

Form: 151F31-

The Highlander¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: Mr John Dawson| T: Mrs C Coward| OR: 97

8/11

Gets on well with today's rider and, having won on his final start for Mick Easterby's daughter, Cherry Coward, last time out, there are plenty of ticks in the right boxes. The trip and ground are unlikely to present too many problems and a bold bid can be expected.

Form: 321U11-

Non-Runners

Mr Cardle²⁵

Weight: 12-2| Age: 8

T: S Flook J: Mr Ed Bailey

Forecasts

The Highlander (8/11), Supreme Danehill (2/1), Kristian Gray (10/1), Fitz Volonte (20/1), Bit Of A Barney (25/1), Mr Cardle (50/1)

Given his solid recent form and steady progress made over the last year, THE HIGHLANDER appeals as the likeliest winner of the finale. Bit Of A Barney can make sure this is a good test and is forwarded as a more potent threat than Supreme Danehill, who is very much respected but may need a more demanding test of his stamina these days. Kristian Gray is unexposed and has more scope than most; he is one to also seriously consider if the market vibes are positive. 1. The Highlander 2. Bit Of A Barney 3. Supreme Danehill