John Rogerson Memorial Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 5m 45.03s

Robin Of Locksley^h³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Cannon| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 134

5/2

Dual hurdles winner made a fine start to his chasing career at Uttoxeter last month when a front running second of 11. 4lb higher here and likely quicker ground not ideal but couldn't rule him out.

Form: 561F5-2

Coillte Lass³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: S Bowen| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 132| D

7/2

Won first three last term before outclassed by first Vroum Vroum Mag then Let's Dance in Grade Twos. Disappointing chase debut last month at Worcester particularly given point-to-point background so questions to answer now.

Form: 1130P-5

Walt²³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: James Best| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 129| BF| C

9/1

Did well for this yard last winter, winning here and making the frame in other five starts. First time over fences but mark workable based on progressive nature so should go well if he takes to larger obstacles.

Form: 231332-

Lithic²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 124

6/1

Progressive dual-hurdle winner who looked like he would be a different proposition stepped up in trip when a promising third at Market Rasen last month. Handicap mark looks very interesting now upped to this trip.

Form: 102-F13

Private Malone^p⁵¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: L P Aspell| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 124| D

3/1

Almost three years since last win and relatively exposed having had seven chase starts. Would have a chance at his best but someway short of that on reappearance at Worcester and others therefore make more compelling cases.

Form: 5/57P3-5

Markov²⁰⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: B Pauling| OR: 123| BF| C

8/1

Bumper winner here on his racecourse debut but subsequently couldn't add to that over hurdles. Did show ability however and could prove a better chaser so not out of this first time out.

Form: P53343-

Forecasts

Robin Of Locksley (5/2), Private Malone (3/1), Coillte Lass (7/2), Lithic (6/1), Markov (8/1), Walt (9/1)

Jonjo O'Neill is best known for his success with staying chasers and he could have another useful sort here in LITHIC who ran well over 2m1f on his chasing career while looking like he would be a different proposition over this sort of trip. Robin Of Locksley can make a race of it based on his excellent effort at Uttoxeter even with top weight. The two newcomers to fences are both of interest with Walt in particular looking likely to be capable off his current handicap mark.