Matchbook VIP Graduation Chase

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 5m 44.2s

King's Socks⁶⁰⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 143WS

5/1

French import who has his first run in Britain/for this trainer here. Not far behind Arkle favourite Footpad in last start over hurdles in France (has had wind op since) but may well need this after more than 18 months off.

Form: 122/152-

Max Ward³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 143| BF| CD

5/1

Won here last March but not in the same form in three starts since and is left with plenty to find against some less exposed rivals over fences.

Form: F214-6P

Overtown Express³⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: N P Madden| T: H Fry| OR: 149

8/1

Third in a good handicap chase at Sandown a month ago having shown some good form in two starts so far this season (despite having fallen once). On a similar mark and not ruled out here.

Form: 416-1F3

Modus⁶³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: B J Geraghty| T: P F Nicholls| BF| CD

8/15

Fell when odds-on favourite at Exeter last time out and wasn't travelling all that smoothly at the time, but has looked a nice chasing prospect other than that and is worth another chance here.

Form: 165-11F

Forecasts

Modus (8/15), Max Ward (5/1), King's Socks (5/1), Overtown Express (8/1)

King's Socks is an intriguing contender given his form over hurdles in France but he arrives here off the back of a long enough lay-off and preference is for MODUS. Slightly disappointing when falling at Exeter last time, he had looked like a very nice prospect over fences prior to that and over a trip which should suit he is taken to get back to winning ways. Overtown Express has shown good form in handicaps recently and is also considered.