16:15 Wincanton

Wednesday 28 March 2018

All14:0014:3015:0515:4016:1516:4517:15

Smarkets Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 7m 24.34s

Achille^p1⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 112

9/1

Fair performer in France, but has had only four runs in over two years since joining his current stable. Latest effort at Plumpton was underwhelming and connections reach for cheekpieces.

Form: 245/557

Blackmill^t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: B S Hughes| T: David Dennis| OR: 111

13/2

Successful point-to-pointer, but has failed to hit the frame in three starts over hurdles and one over fences in which he was fourth of eight at Hereford. Looks to have a stiff task off this mark.

Form: 1/4-5654

The Cider Maker^t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: James Bowen⁽³⁾| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 111

7/2

Won two staying chases at Plumpton in February, 2016, but was sidelined for 630 days before returning to action in December. Touched off in a handicap hurdle at Hereford on latest outing so is clearly in good hearts for his return to fences.

Form: 113/532

Sonoftheking^p,t³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr D Edwards⁽⁵⁾| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 110| CD

10/1

Won over C&D in November and has not been disgraced in two subsequent starts off 7lb higher. Competes off the same rating and is likely to find one or two rivals better handicapped.

Form: P5-7124

Pink Gin^t⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: M D Grant| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 110

13/2

Without a win in six starts over fences, but has knocked on the door and ran well to be second over C&D in December off this mark. Can get involved if returning to that level of form for last year's wining stable.

Form: 35-22F7

Invicta Lake^p¹¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-11| J: Jack Sherwood⁽³⁾| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 109| C| D

8/1

Winnng hurdler, but remains a maiden over fences at the age of 11 and failed to complete twice before finishing a good second at Kempton last time. Claims on that form, but appears to come with risks.

Form: 453FU2

Cucklington^b,t²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 108| CD

4/1

Stable companion of The Cider Marker who was winning for the second time over C&D when landing a handicap earlier this month. A 5lb rise is not insurmountable given his liking for the track and progressive profile.

Form: 113551

Goring One^p³⁹

Age: 13| Weight: 10-9| J: A Thornton| T: Miss A M Newton-Smith| OR: 93| CD

16/1

Veteran campaigner who holds his form admirably and registered two wins in December. Higher marks have found him out since, but he should give a good account.

Form: 531135

General Girling^b¹⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 10-8| J: J E Moore| T: R J Hodges| OR: 92| CD

14/1

Hit-and-miss record and has a few letters next to his name, but useful on his day as he showed when successful at Lingfield in January. Also ran well over C&D last month and can get involved if on a going day.

Form: 5PP12P

Non-Runners

Two Hoots³⁸

Weight: 10-7| Age: 7

T: J Scott J: Nick Scholfield

Forecasts

The Cider Maker (7/2), Cucklington (4/1), Pink Gin (13/2), Blackmill (13/2), Invicta Lake (8/1), Achille (9/1), Sonoftheking (10/1), Two Hoots (10/1), General Girling (14/1), Goring One (16/1)

The Cider Maker and Cucklington give their trainer a strong hand and it would be no surprise to see either prevail. General Girling would have strong claims if in the right mood, but it may be worth taking a chance with PINK GIN, who represents last year's winning stable and has shown enough over C&D to suggest he can win a race of this nature. Sonoftheking looks the best of the rest.