Noel Fehily Cheltenham Previews At 188bet Mares' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:16 | Winning time: 6m 58.2s

Secret Door^p⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 12-2| J: Kieron Edgar⁽³⁾| T: H Fry| OR: 112

5/1

Looked to have a bright future ahead of her when scoring twice last spring, but some poor showings since have seen her handicap mark tumble. No better since switching to fences and despite yard hitting form, she's a risky proposition now.

Form: 339585

Marienstar^t¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-2| J: Harry Teal⁽⁷⁾| T: N B King| OR: 112

6/4

A few too many placed efforts for comfort, but has taken well enough to chasing and will enjoy this drop in grade and the likely conditions. Has had wind surgery since last seen, which could help get her head in front, so not ruled out.

Form: 22P432

Misty Mai²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: D A Rees| OR: 108| D

6/1

Ffos Las winner in December that will like the ground, but two moderate efforts since that win rather suggest the handicapper is in charge at present. Extended trip here may help, but a little to prove at present.

Form: 6-52165

Grace Tara^t⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: R T Dunne| T: M Scudamore| OR: 107WS

7/1

Made the most of an easy task at Kelso over hurdles last spring, looked the sort to make a decent chaser but not really happened in three starts over fences. Has had wind surgery, which may help her finish her race off better, so not ruled out

Form: 231-544

Timon's Tara^b1²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: J M Quinlan| T: R Dickin| OR: 104

7/1

Just the two wins in 29 starts, which rather tells it's own story. Bit inconsistent and threw in a stinker at Leicester last time, which sees a change of headgear here. Hard to fancy for the win and others preferred.

Form: 2P4234

Shanann Star^p²¹

Age: 12| Weight: 10-3| J: Page Fuller⁽⁵⁾| T: G F Edwards| OR: 85| D

13/2

Only one win over fences but has some ability, and likes to arrive late on the scene. Bit better last time and 2lb lower than last winning mark, so has plus points. More likely to hit the frame, but if they go quick early, could pick up the pieces.

Form: 23-4353

Shanklys Dawn^p,t³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Philip Donovan⁽⁷⁾| T: P J Rothwell| OR: 76

20/1

Irish raider, clearly moderate and still a maiden after 23 starts. Well beaten again last time and hard to see her making it 24th time lucky here.

Form: 4923F8

Forecasts

Marienstar (6/4), Secret Door (5/1), Misty Mai (6/1), Shanann Star (13/2), Grace Tara (7/1), Timon's Tara (7/1), Shanklys Dawn (20/1)

MARIENSTAR is going to get an easy lead here, in all probability, and having had wind surgery after her latest start too, would appear to have plenty going for her. This looks her golden chance and she can finally get her head in front. Shanann Star can run on to finish in the frame and can take second ahead of Grace Tara.