14:15 Worcester

Thursday 11 May 2017

All14:1514:4515:2015:5516:2516:5517:25

Bell, Willersey Celebrates Mark's Birthday Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 56.10s

Horseguardsparade^p³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Jamie Bargary⁽³⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 111

10/1

No win since December 2015, and losing run continues to grow. Almost broke the sequence at Ffos Las in November when beaten a head, but not threatened in three subsequent starts. Bit further probably ideal but chances of hitting the places if he gets a solid gallop.

Form: 5720-3P

Shady Glen^b,t²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Daniel Hiskett⁽⁵⁾| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 110

7/1

Well beaten last time out but trip probably too short for him there, and this looks more suitable. Consistent efforts before that and goes well on this track, so whilst he needs a little more, that's far from impossible.

Form: 142123-

Spring Steel^t²¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Adam Wedge| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 108

9/1

Rattled off a hat-trick of wins (backed off the boards for the first of them) last summer and very respectable efforts when last seen in October. Still on a fair mark on historic form and may need this after a break, but any money for him should be strongly noted.

Form: 111322-

Walkami^p¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 100

15/2

Put in a couple of good efforts over hurdles but chasing career not off to the greatest of starts, falling at Stratford and then unseating at Chepstow. Jumping an obvious concern but on a good mark if putting in a clear round, and as one open to improvement, shouldn't be dismissed.

Form: P778UU-

Butlergrove King³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: R T Dunne| T: D Burchell| OR: 99

6/4

Hasn't fired for a while now and handicapper has dropped him another chunk after a moderate effort at Fontwell last time. On the plus side, is a C&D winner that won't mind the ground, and continually goes off well backed, suggesting he's capable of winning one. Risky, but not discounted.

Form: 805P34-

Pembroke House^p¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: S-J Davies| OR: 98

7/2

Incredibly consistent yet frustratingly hard to win with sort that's been in the frame 11 of his last 13 starts, winning just the one. Conditions fine once more and handicapper has cut him a bit of slack, so little reason he won't run his race and get involved again.

Form: 233323-

Spock^p²³

Age: 12| Weight: 10-0| J: Miss L Brooke⁽⁷⁾| T: Lady S Brooke| OR: 83

14/1

Well into the veteran stage now but showed the fire still burns with a win at Plumpton three starts back, showing a great attitude. Not so good since and whilst likely quick conditions here fine, still more likely winners.

Form: 4214U-P

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to board prices only - deduction 15p in the pound

Non-Runners

Thegreendalerocket³³

Weight: 12-0| Age: 8

T: R Woollacott J: James Best

Forecasts

Butlergrove King (6/4), Pembroke House (7/2), Shady Glen (7/1), Walkami (15/2), Thegreendalerocket (8/1), Spring Steel (9/1), Horseguardsparade (10/1), Spock (14/1)

Many of these could win this if they decide they fancy it, but deciding between them isn't easy, and small stakes are advised. SHADY GLEN will appreciate the step back up in trip and might find the necessary improvement to take this. He and Pembroke House are the consistent pair amongst this lot and that alone makes them both worthy of consideration. Spring Steel would be interesting if the money came for him, and he and Butlergrove King can fight out the third spot.