188Bet Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 4m 54.4s

Un Ace^t,v1³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 135

7/4

Well treated on the form he showed when winning three times in 2014/15, but has not been in that sort of mood since. Showed a bit more when finishing mid division behind Road To Respect at the Cheltenham Festival and the application of a first-time visor may spark further improvement.

Form: 42758-U

Sir Note³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J M Quinlan| T: J M P Eustace| OR: 133

9/4

Genuine and consistent frontrunner who has enjoyed a fine season, winning five times. Beaten off this mark by Max Ward at Kempton last time, but that was no disgrace and he looks sure to make a bold bid once again.

Form: 1P11-13

Mercers Court¹⁰⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Lizzie Kelly⁽³⁾| T: N B King| OR: 132

7/1

Five starts from 10 starts over fences is a fine return, yet he has not always been the most fluent of jumpers. Has had a break since finishing third at Doncaster in December and may need this run to put him right.

Form: 411F32-

Winner Massagot^p1⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 130

5/1

Decent hurdler who has not made the same impact over fences. Last of four behind Kilcrea Vale at Fontwell last time, but that was on soft ground and he will enjoy the return to a sounder surface. Stable has a fine record when reaching for headgear and the application of cheekpieces for the first time might spark a big improvement.

Form: 10P-932

Workbench^t²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 128

7/1

Capable performer at his best, but has been some way short of that level this season. His second of four at Ludlow last time did not suggest he was about to strike top form and there are rivals with stronger claims.

Form: 876723-

Forecasts

Un Ace (7/4), Sir Note (9/4), Winner Massagot (5/1), Mercers Court (7/1), Workbench (7/1)

A tricky contest which should see Sir Note make a bold bid from the front. Top weight Un Ace will surely cash in on a falling handicap mark at some stage, but a chance is taken with WINNER MASSAGOT, who sports cheekpieces for the first time and will appreciate better ground.