20:20 Aintree

Friday 19 May 2017

All17:3518:0518:4019:1019:4520:2020:50

Neil Sutherland Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 20:20 | Winning time: 6m 18.70s

Southfield Vic^b⁹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: Bryony Frost⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 139| D

7/2

Three-time novice chase winner, romped home in a Newton Abbot handicap just over a week ago over 3m1f and 7lb penalty is not certain to anchor him.

Form: 11021-1

Virgilio^t⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 142| C

9/4

Was flying high for much of last season, taking in Grade 1 chases at both Kempton (a lucky second) and Aintree so finds himself in calmer waters here. Still looks nicely handicapped on best efforts, plenty to like about his chances.

Form: 11P223-

Call Me Vic⁵⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 138| C

12/1

Veteran won here in December, profiting somewhat from others misfortune, sole outing since saw him finish an 8L runner-up at Newbury over this sort of trip in March. Could hold place claims again off the same rating.

Form: 924F12-

Minellacelebration¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Benjamin Poste⁽³⁾| T: Katy Price| OR: 138| CD

14/1

He rallied gamely to bring up a double at Uttoxeter this month having also scored last month at Chepstow, both over this trip. Carries another 5lb now but manner of previous win is encouraging and holds good claims if in same mood.

Form: 2F341-1

Indian Temple²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Reed⁽⁷⁾| T: T Reed| OR: 133

20/1

Ran two fine races at Ayr over 2m4f, either side of a flop at Newbury, since the autumn. Goes up in trip and some questions over the stamina, though did win point-to-point over 3m.

Form: 213/103-

Al Co^b1²⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 132| CD

9/1

Won this contest a year ago and while he hasn't threatened to score since, ran respectable race in the Scottish National and, just 3lb higher than a year ago with first-time blinkers tried, cannot be crossed off.

Form: 51U0P0-

Mustmeetalady^p³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Killian Moore⁽³⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 129| D

11/1

Winner at Haydock last month over marathon trip, has been raised 5lb for that but down in trip he could play a hand again, especially if improved jumping stays good.

Form: 243541-

According To Harry²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: R Johnson| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 127

12/1

Won at Ludlow last time almost in spite of his jumping, has been in decent form for this trainer and has the champ to try and guide him around unscathed once more. Player if doing so.

Form: 133121-

Fact Of The Matter^h,t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 126| D

11/1

Has won three from five starts over fences, including on last month's return over 3m1f around Cheltenham. Up another 5lb and is likely to keep going the right way.

Form: 4/12131-

Highway Storm^p¹⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Jamie Bargary⁽³⁾| T: R Hobson| OR: 121

10/1

Winner at Ffos Last in November (2m5f, soft) before lacklustre performance back there the following month. Has since left Rebecca Curtis to join this yard and has questions to answer.

Form: 731/31P-

Forecasts

Virgilio (9/4), Southfield Vic (7/2), Al Co (9/1), Highway Storm (10/1), Fact Of The Matter (11/1), Mustmeetalady (11/1), Call Me Vic (12/1), According To Harry (12/1), Minellacelebration (14/1), Indian Temple (20/1)

FACT OF THE MATTER has taken well to this game, winning three of five starts. He returned last month at Cheltenham and showed he's still going the right way, with another hike to contend with, he can keep going. Last year's winner Al Co has been out for since, though could bounce back with blinkers appearing now while Southfield Vic is a massive danger to all on his excellent chasing record thus far despite a 9lb penalty for his recent Newton Abbot romp. Minellacelebration has shown a game attitude and can get involved once again at the business end.