Charlie Longsdon Racing Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 4m 40.2s

Germany Calling^p,t³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 141| D

12/1

Won a couple of small field races last year before ending season with a fall at Cheltenham festival (100/1). Pulled up on re-appearance at Market Rasen. Handicapper loosens grip so expecting better on favoured going today.

Form: 1817F-P

Starchitect^b,t¹⁹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 140| BF

15/8

Classy hurdler who won an Ayr novice chase last January. Fifth at Cheltenham festival and third at Aintree showed him competitive at high level before shade disappointing as favourite in Grade Two. Looks big player first time out.

Form: 331535-

Mercian Prince²²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 135

3/1

Former Auteuil winner who scored twice in first three starts for this yard. Three subsequent starts off a seven pound higher mark saw a fall when going well and two reasonable efforts. Yet to prove he is quite up to this mark.

Form: 211F43-

Cut The Corner²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Alex Edwards⁽⁵⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 133

13/2

Landed a quick double at Uttoxeter in July but latest two races suggested handicapper now has his measure although probably didn't stay 3m latest.

Form: 112545

Oliver's Hill^b,t¹¹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Mrs L Hill| OR: 116

11/1

Hat-trick seeker after wins at Fontwell and Kempton last month (both over 2m2f). Extra furlong ought to be in his favour today so remains competitive even 5lb higher with fitness edge over many first time out rivals.

Form: P-5P211

The Geegeez Geegee^p,t³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy| OR: 121| C

9/2

Won here over 2m5f last time out and impressive too. Two from three for this yard and two from two with today's top jockey. Another 8lb rise not enough to concern and drop in trip shouldn't inconvenience so must be thereabouts with clear round.

Form: 2-UP131

Whispering Harry²⁶⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: James Davies| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 116| C

25/1

Pulled up in two of last three races and well beaten in between when last seen. Well-handicapped now compared to best form but has to prove he retains that ability now after summer break.

Form: PF3P6P-

Forecasts

Starchitect (15/8), Mercian Prince (3/1), The Geegeez Geegee (9/2), Cut The Corner (13/2), Oliver's Hill (11/1), Germany Calling (12/1), Whispering Harry (25/1)

The reappearance of Starchitect here is of plenty of interest. David Pipe's second season chaser may be capable of more this season given his comparably high hurdle rating but giving weight away to in form rivals first time out could prove difficult. Therefore THE GEEGEEZ GEEGEE is taken to win again. He couldn't have been much more impressive last time and looks capable of more now seemingly transformed by new yard. Also in fine form is Oliver's Hill and he too rated a leading contender.