Roberts Double Celebratory ROA/Racing Post Owners Jackpot Handicap Chase

Off time: 12:35 | Winning time: 5m 39.3s

Manwell^t²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-7| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 106

4/1

Has put in two very solid efforts over fences lately, only going down a length to the improving Chasma at Southwell latest. Showed there that he stays this trip fine, so although up another 4lb, likely he has more to come, and every chance here.

Form: 5329-22

What's Up Rory^t⁸²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: L Heard| T: R J Price| OR: 92

9/1

Handicap chase winner over 2m at Chepstow (soft) in March but ran no race on reappearance at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) in September and has something to prove for now.

Form: 44213-8

Mr Bachster^p²⁹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-6| J: R Patrick⁽⁵⁾| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 91| D

7/1

Veteran won at Fontwell in January and back to same mark today. Not totally disgraced so far this term and handicap mark gives him a shout if able to bring his a-game.

Form: 3613-P5

Knocknamona¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Alain Cawley| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 91| D

4/7

In fine fettle lately, getting first chase win at third attempt at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) last month before following up over timber at Leicester (2m4½f, soft) seven days later in ready fashion. Should still be ahead of his mark and conditions ok.

Form: 97F011

Free World²⁰²

Age: 13| Weight: 10-11| J: Miss L Brooke⁽⁷⁾| T: Lady S Brooke| OR: 82| D

25/1

Now a teenager and returning here for first starts since May. On most recent evidence it is hard to imagine a winning return.

Form: P3766-P

Forecasts

Knocknamona (4/7), Manwell (4/1), Mr Bachster (7/1), What's Up Rory (9/1), Free World (25/1)

KNOCKNAMONA has delivered much-improved efforts recently when scoring over these obstacles at Uttoxeter late last month and following up over hurdles at Leicester 12 days ago. He's proven in heavy going and, given the manner of his recent wins, should still be ahead of the assessor on this mark. If he turns up in similar mood, he's going to be hard to beat. Manwell has also been running well recently and, despite the big weight concession, is feared most. The remaining trio have plenty on their plates, with the teenager Mr Bachster arguably the most appealing of them.