Happy Birthday Roberta Pawson Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 6m 9.40s

Beneficial Joe²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Charlie Deutsch⁽³⁾| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 120

6/1

In a rich vein of form over hurdles late summer/early autumn last year, winning twice (at Worcester and Hexham). Returned from some time off with a spin over hurdles at Bangor last month, and makes his chasing debut over an ideal trip, but with any further easing of the ground an unknown.

Form: 341214-

Always Lion⁵⁵⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: N de Boinville| T: B Pauling| OR: 120

7/4

In the same ownership as Beneficial Joe, and useful enough in bumpers and novice hurdles, but returns to the track having been absent since November 2015. Yet to race over fences, or over this trip, but fascinating to see how he fares with regards the future.

Form: 132021/

Red Infantry²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: T J O'Brien| T: Ian Williams| OR: 118

5/2

Chasing debutant whose sole success over hurdles came at Sandown in November 2016 (2m4f good). Fairly consistent thereafter, but with the handicapper seemingly having his measure. Should handle cut.

Form: 145443-

Allthegear No Idea²⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: Jamie Bargary⁽³⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 116

15/2

Fencing hasn't appeared his forte in all honesty, with his ability getting him through his most recent outings rather than his jumping. Kept on well from the last at Perth (3m) latest when just over 2L third to Jovial Joey. Has the experience over fences but rather unconvincing to say the least.

Form: 4/43233-

Mahler Lad^p⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 107| D

9/2

Made the most of a falling mark when getting his act together over fences at the fourth attempt at Sedgefield last month (3m2f). Did it the hard way from the front, hanging on gamely, but down in trip, up 8lb and on softer ground, so likely to find life tougher today.

Form: 32/P361-

Forecasts

Always Lion (7/4), Red Infantry (5/2), Mahler Lad (9/2), Beneficial Joe (6/1), Allthegear No Idea (15/2)

Just two of the five runners with chasing experience to bring into the race. Allthegear No Idea hasn't totally convinced of late, whilst Mahler Lad is up 8lb for a gritty Sedgefield success. Assuming the ground conditions don't deteriorate dramatically BENEFICIAL JOE could prove the pick of a tightly packed field if sharper for a recent spin over hurdles at Bangor last month.