15:30 Warwick

Tuesday 26 September 2017

All13:5014:2514:5515:3016:0516:35

Weatherbys Racing Diaries Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 6m 20.80s

Fort Worth^t⁹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 138

5/1

Quite consistent chaser who has earned top weight following a string of solid efforts, including last time when winning at Worcester. This is a much stiffer task off 11lb higher, but he cannot be ruled out in his current vein of form.

Form: 12P-321

Minellacelebration¹³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Benjamin Poste⁽³⁾| T: Katy Price| OR: 138| D

8/1

In excellent form in late spring when he won twice and finished second on his last start. Might need this first outing since and has a hike in the weights to cope with, but he is young enough to suggest he has more to offer.

Form: F341-12

Sonneofpresenting²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 135

6/1

Rapidly-improving chaser who has won three of his last four starts, but is now 19lb higher than for the first of those wins. Impossible to rule out despite his loftier handicap mark.

Form: 21-1131

Kilfinichen Bay^t²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 133| CD

6/1

Finished less than 6L behind Sonneofpresenting last time and is 5lb better off. Has every chance of turning round the form on these terms, but his rival seems to have more scope for improvement.

Form: 0-51064

Fact Of The Matter^h,t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 131| D

9/2

Yet another progressive chaser in this line-up. Boasts four wins from his last eight starts and showed a willing attitude to prevail at Cartmel last time. Up another 6lb, but is likely to give another bold show.

Form: 131-301

Buachaill Alainn^b,t²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 128

10/1

Ran the idling Sonneofpresenting to a short head last time, with Kilfinichen Bay behind, despite looking a little reluctant at times. Has major claims on 4lb better terms so long as he can be cajoled into delivering his best.

Form: 158-522

Adam du Breteau¹⁰⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 127| D

20/1

Three-times chaser winner who can be a bit hit-and-miss, but is talented enough to take a hand in this on his best form. Behind Kilfinichen Bay at Fontwell in May, but is weighted to turn the tables and has strong claims if on a going day.

Form: 173P-37

Belmount¹¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 126| BF| C| D

3/1

Landed back-to-back handicaps in the autumn of last year, but has not scored since and is taking his time to come down the weights. Represents a top team, however, and has a shout in an open contest.

Form: 0P52-34

Forecasts

Belmount (3/1), Fact Of The Matter (9/2), Fort Worth (5/1), Sonneofpresenting (6/1), Kilfinichen Bay (6/1), Minellacelebration (8/1), Buachaill Alainn (10/1), Adam du Breteau (20/1)

None of these can be ruled out. Fort Worth, Minellacellabration, Fact Of The Matter and SONNEOFPRESENTING are each on an upward curve and it is one of these progressive types which is most likely to prevail, with narrow preference for the latter. That said, the others have their chance at these weights and a cracking contest seems assured.