14:35 Southwell

Sunday 20 August 2017

All14:0014:3515:1015:4016:1516:5017:25

Coopers Marquees Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 5m 16.30s

Yes Daddy^b,t³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: R Stephens| OR: 112| C

6/1

Just one start over hurdles this year and obvious questions to answer regarding his fitness. Also lacks experience of fences and faces a stiff test on these terms.

Form: 3442-32

Highbury High^p,t⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: N D Fehily| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 110| D

8/1

Won over fences at Market Rasen in January and may have been in need of a blow-out when returning with a couple of defeats last month. Just 6lb higher than his last winning mark, so very feasible he can play a strong role here.

Form: 1241-46

Skilled^h²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy| OR: 110

15/8

Thrived since joining his current yard; up 8lb after winning at Stratford last month but still has scope for more improvement and, with the champion jockey in the saddle, all the pieces are fitting together well. A bold bid can be expected.

Form: 14/8821

David John¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Aidan Coleman| T: T Lacey| OR: 107| D

3/1

Edit the pick of his form and the gelding has a real sporting chance; he's just 3lb higher than his last winning mark and has trip and ground to suit. Ticks in all the right columns and well worth a check in the betting.

Form: 1PP7-14

Minella Forfitness⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: A Pogson| T: C T Pogson| OR: 105| BF| D

5/1

Plenty of experience over fences but just two wins to show for his efforts. But has thrived this season and is still potentially well treated at present. Interesting if claims boosted by support in the betting ring.

Form: 54-3123

Boss Des Mottes^p,t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Jamie Hamilton⁽³⁾| T: H Hogarth| OR: 103

10/1

Been expensive to follow of late and has a bit to find with Minella Forfitness on recent evidence. Ought to go well but no surprise if he finds at least couple take his measure when push comes to shove.

Form: 442533

Stormbay Bomber¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: A Nicol| T: P Holmes| OR: 103| C

20/1

Likes this course and handles these notoriously stiff fences well. Ground should suit but can be unpredictable and it's been a while since he raced over this trip. Others look more convincing.

Form: 754-158

Non-Runners

Exitas¹⁷

Weight: 11-13| Age: 9

T: P W Middleton J: Conor Shoemark

Forecasts

Skilled (15/8), David John (3/1), Minella Forfitness (5/1), Yes Daddy (6/1), Highbury High (8/1), Boss Des Mottes (10/1), Exitas (12/1), Stormbay Bomber (20/1)

SKILLED won well at Straford last month and has plenty going for him in this company . The gelding is still on the upgrade over fences and may hold too many guns for Highbury High and David John , who head the shortlist of threats from the rest. Minella Forfitness is another to bear in mind, as he holds solid place claims from just 5lb higher than for his win at Market Rasen in June.