15:10 Sedgefield

Thursday 2 November 2017

All13:0013:3014:0514:3515:1015:4016:10

Racing App Sedgefielders Durham National Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 7m 31.55s

Delusionofgrandeur¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 134

5/1

Dropped 1lb after his reappearance run at Wetherby last month over what looked an inadequate 2m3½f. Ran well for a long way there however and this trip looks much more to his liking. Should be capable of having a big say.

Form: 14118-3

Smooth Stepper¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Henry Brooke| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 132| C

16/1

At his best on ground softer than forecast and yet to convince that he sees out trips beyond 3m. Also looks plenty high enough in the handicap and others preferred this time.

Form: 9516P-5

Buachaill Alainn^b,t³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 128| CD

11/1

Goes well on a sound surface and returns to defend his title after winning this last year from just 2lb lower. Found the going tough thereafter, although his best effort since was when a short-head second from this mark. Has claims on that basis.

Form: 58-5225

Russian Regent⁹³

Age: 13| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Skelton| T: G Elliott| OR: 128

40/1

Acts on any ground, though particularly well on good. Yet to win beyond 3m, though goes into this 3lb lower than his last win, at Perth in June 2016, though the emphasis on stamina here is a definite concern.

Form: 256-537

Optimistic Bias¹²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: L Treadwell| T: H J Evans| OR: 125| BF| C

11/1

Ran up a hat-trick in the spring from 3m-3m3½f, two of them on good going. Now a stone higher than the first of those wins, but has course winning form over hurdles and far from ruled out.

Form: 331-110

Carrigdhoun^t⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-2| J: Dale Irving⁽³⁾| T: M A Barnes| OR: 124

25/1

Sees out 4m and has a particular love for Carlisle and good to soft ground. Has been well held there on his last two starts, however, and a 2lb drop going into this means he is now 7lb lower than his last success. Acts on good and not ruled out.

Form: 516-344

Rock Of Leon^p²⁹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Dowson⁽⁵⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 124

100/1

Sole chase win was on good to firm in a beginners' event at Exeter last year, though he lost his way thereafter. Resumes on the same mark as he left off but for a new yard and a market check is suggested to gauge any confidence. Has a bit to prove.

Form: 511UUP-

Grove Silver^p¹⁹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 123| C

40/1

Runner-up twice over similar trips at Warwick and Fakenham last year. Has won over shorter since then and more recently has appeared to be in the grip of the assessor. Soft/heavy ground suits too, so these conditions are a concern.

Form: 5P6135-

Boric^p¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Callum Bewley⁽³⁾| T: S Waugh| OR: 123| C

16/1

Latest win was at Perth over 3m6½f (good) in April, so stays well. Now 15lb higher than that after another good run on his return at Carlisle last month, when just held from a mark of 117. Needs to improve again but that is not ruled out.

Form: 3P181-2

Audacious Plan^p¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 122

6/4

Hasn't been easy to place but won a couple for Rebecca Curtis and looks to have improved since joining current yard, going close in a chase and then winning by 12L in a 3m1f hurdle (good) last time. 10lb higher here but stays 3m6f. Interesting.

Form: 30P9-21

Camillas Wish⁶⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Miss Becky Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 120

66/1

Has enjoyed a fine 2017, winning in Ireland, before adding four more successes from six starts for Richard Ford. Now has first run for this stable. Stays 3m2½f, though unproven beyond that and handicapper looked in control last time.

Form: 111515

Washed Ashore⁶⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 120

13/2

Couldn't say that he is exposed yet over fences after just five runs, winning over 3m (good) at Market Rasen in August. Up 3lb for an 8L defeat last time, though he looks as though this trip might suit and has to enter calculations.

Form: 8-55212

Mister Don^p¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: Lorcan Murtagh⁽⁵⁾| T: R Dobbin| OR: 117| BF

12/1

1lb better off with Boric for a ½L defeat by that rival over 3m6½f at Perth in the spring. Goes well on a sound surface and should not be far away with little racing weight to carry and fitness unlikely to be an issue.

Form: 2-53222

Forecasts

Audacious Plan (6/4), Delusionofgrandeur (5/1), Washed Ashore (13/2), Buachaill Alainn (11/1), Optimistic Bias (11/1), Mister Don (12/1), Boric (16/1), Smooth Stepper (16/1), Carrigdhoun (25/1), Grove Silver (40/1), Russian Regent (40/1), Camillas Wish (66/1), Rock Of Leon (100/1)

One of those races where you wouldn't be surprised if any one of at least half the field proved good enough, though the suggestion is AUDACIOUS PLAN. Dr Richard Newland's gelding might live up to his name if he lands the spoils, having done well in both starts since joining the trainer and it is hoped that he can capitalise on his rejuvenated form. Washed Ashore and Mister Don can have cases made for them towards the foot of the racecard, while Boric and last year's winner Buachaill Alainn could both have a say and Delusionofgrandeur could give them all plenty to think about if given a typically positive Danny Cook ride.