newtonabbotracing.com Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 5m 6.20s

Irish Cavalier^t⁵¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 155| CD

11/4

Very smart chaser at his best, but can be a bit hit-and-miss. Had one of his going days when a fine 3rd of 14 in a competitive Punchestown handicap in April and runs off the same mark. Interesting that the top jockey who rode him last time crosses the Irish Sea to do so again.

Form: P35P03-

Alcala^t¹¹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 135| CD

11/2

Has been well placed by his top trainer to win two of his last three starts in small fields. Could do no more than win easily in a two-horse contest over C&D last month, but is up 4lb for that, which might just catch him out.

Form: 3F313-1

Brother Tedd¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 134| D

2/1

Capable handicap hurdler who has been getting his act together over fences and got off the mark over the bigger obstacles when beating a talented rival at Uttoxeter last time. He showed a willing attitude that day and his current handicap mark looks within his capabilities. Much respected.

Form: 42F32-1

Midnight Cowboy²²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 131| D

9/2

Almost threw it away when hanging on the run-in when successful at Kempton two start ago, but knuckled down well to win at Warwick last time. Has been raised only 2lb for that latest success and is clearly weighted to be competitive.

Form: 123-311

Gentleman Jon^b³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 131| CD

12/1

Fairly consistent handicap chaser who ran into a leniently-weighted rival at this track last month. Takes quite a drop in trip from recent outings and that may make life tough against some talented and, presumably, speedier rivals.

Form: 110PP-3

Red Hanrahan^p1,t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 126

13/2

Winning point-to-pointer who has raced only twice over fences, finishing second on both occasions, including behind Midnight Cowboy last time. He is 3lb out of the handicap and, as a result 2lb worse off with his conqueror, so he faces a stiff task.

Form: 1P/6P2-2

Non-Runners

Ballybolley¹⁹

Weight: 11-0| Age: 8

T: N & W Twiston-Davies J: D A Jacob

Forecasts

Brother Tedd (2/1), Irish Cavalier (11/4), Midnight Cowboy (9/2), Alcala (11/2), Ballybolley (6/1), Red Hanrahan (13/2), Gentleman Jon (12/1)

A cracking handicap chase for the time of year. Top weight Irish Cavalier is good enough to win this if on a going day, while Ballyboley looked sure to be involved in the finish before falling at Uttoxeter last time. Both are feared, along with Midnight Cowboy, who could still be well handicapped, but preference is for BROTHER TEDD, who fought hard to beat a good horse at Uttoxeter last time and may be capable of further improvement now he has got his head in front over fences.