Commission Free Racing At Matchbook Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 4m 26.0s

Dunraven Storm¹⁷¹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 144

6/1

Won this race 12 months ago off 1lb higher mark, now 12-years-old and wasn't in great form when last seen in November. Can't be discounted off the break and will likely attempt to repeat last year's front running tactics.

Form: 20/1405-

Parsnip Pete^t²⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-5| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 137

8/1

Struggled on first start for four months at Aintree last month, pulled up having faded out of contention. May be fitter for that run and was in rude health last summer. Finished fourth in this contest 12 months ago coming off a break.

Form: 33327P-

A Little Magic^h,t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 133

5/2

Another runner in this small field that likes to get on with things, may have some company in that regard and is raised 8lb for last month's Market Rasen success over 2m5f.

Form: U91131-

Artifice Sivola^h⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: L P Aspell| T: L Wadham| OR: 125

5/1

Has been making hay over hurdles of late, employing positive tactics to do so. Below form on return to chasing at Sandown in March but was conceding weight all round there.

Form: 1/1124-2

Meldrum Lad^t⁸^{(ex 5)}

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: C O'Farrell| T: S Durack| OR: 118

6/4

Enjoying a new lease of life under this trainer, winning his last three starts in good style. Defied the handicapper with best performance to date in scoring at Wincanton over 2m4f eight days ago, and looks sure to be involved with 5lb more to carry now.

Form: 005111-

Forecasts

Meldrum Lad (6/4), A Little Magic (5/2), Artifice Sivola (5/1), Dunraven Storm (6/1), Parsnip Pete (8/1)

The veterans of the race, Parsnip Pete and last year's winner Dunraven Storm cannot be ruled out. The latter is unlikely to get an easy time of things up front with A Little Magic in the field. That Market Rasen winner has more on his plate here but shouldn't be underestimated. Artifice Sivola finds better terms now than when switching to these obstacles at Sandown but the in-form MELDRUM LAD has been thriving for this yard and might well be up to the task of completing a four-timer.