Betfred Super League Walrus Open Hunters' Chase

Off time: 17:01 | Winning time: 6m 36.68s

Fourovakind^b²³

Age: 13| Weight: 12-4| J: Miss K Lyons⁽⁵⁾| T: M Hazell| OR: 125

25/1

Veteran who was no match for Grandturgeon when second at Warwick last month. Hard to see him turning the tables, but should not be disgraced.

Form: 1P/43-62

Shotavodka¹⁹

Age: 12| Weight: 12-4| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss H Brookshaw| OR: 128| CD

11/4

Good hurdler/chaser for David Pipe and showed the fire still burns on first start for this trainer when landing a Hereford hunter chase on his reappearance. More needed in a stronger contest.

Form: 03736-1

Grandturgeon^t²³

Age: 11| Weight: 12-1| J: Alex Edwards| T: P Rowley

10/3

Much too good for Fourovakind last time, having won his two previous point-to-points. Clearly in great heart, but will need another step forward if he is to continue his winning run.

Form: 112-111

Lord Heathfield^b²³

Age: 12| Weight: 12-1| J: Jordan Nailor⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss C Mews| OR: 109

40/1

Blinkered for the first time when well behind Grandturgeon and Fourovakind at Warwick. No obvious reason why he should be able to turn the tables.

Form: 132F-P4

Virak³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 12-1| J: Lorcan Williams⁽⁵⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 139| CD

5/4

Capable handicap chaser who made a winning start in this sphere when scoring readily at Ludlow. Entered in the Foxhunters Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and needs to win this is he is to go there with a realistic chance.

Form: 56456-1

Argocat²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Miss S Rippon⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss S Rippon| OR: 146

8/1

More than useful chaser when trained in Ireland and showed his well being when bolting up in a point-to-point earlier this month. Slight worry about the ground, but seems sure to go well.

Form: 02538/U

Forecasts

Virak (5/4), Shotavodka (11/4), Grandturgeon (10/3), Argocat (8/1), Fourovakind (25/1), Lord Heathfield (40/1)

One of the best hunter chases so far this season can go to VIRAK, who performed well in handicaps for his top stable and promises to be a potent force in this sphere judged on his recent win at Ludlow. He may be better suited to underfoot conditions than Argocat, who is clearly in good heart following a recent point-to-point success but might prefer a sounder surface. Grandturgeon should not be dismissed lightly and Shotavodka is not out of it, but Fourovakind and Lord Heathfield look held.