starspreads.com Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:57 | Winning time: 5m 51.1s

Looks Like Power^h,t⁷^{(ex 7)}

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: T E Whelan| T: Mrs D A Hamer| OR: 108

11/4

Relished the longer trip to score at Chepstow last time, but has been effective at this distance in the past. Has been hit by a 7lb rise for that success, but this looks less competitive.

Form: 3-24231

Indian Native^t⁵⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Kielan Woods| T: A M Hales| OR: 113| D

6/1

Dual point-to-point winner who scored over hurdles at Hereford in February 2017. Never travelling well after an early mistake last time, but would be a serious player if her jumping holds together against these more experienced chasers.

Form: 13-443P

Riddlestown^b⁶²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-11| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁷⁾| T: C Fryer| OR: 112| CD

14/1

Picked up five races last spring and goes well for this rider. Remains above his last winning mark and usually needs a run or two to bring him to peak levels. Acts on any going and runs well here.

Form: 1134PP

Freddies Portrait^b,t³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 103

10/1

Landed a Carlisle handicap chase off 4lb higher a year ago, but his recent form is woeful and blinkers failed to inspire last time.

Form: 55-56P5

The Bay Birch⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Stan Sheppard⁽³⁾| T: M Sheppard| OR: 100| BF| CD

10/11

C&D winner who found a rejuvenated rival too good at Chepstow last week. Due to go up 3lb in future and has been found a good opportunity.

Form: 357212

Forecasts

The Bay Birch (10/11), Looks Like Power (11/4), Indian Native (6/1), Freddies Portrait (10/1), Riddlestown (14/1)

Indian Native failed to fulfil expectations last time and there must be fears her jumping will be tested by these experienced handicappers. Riddlestown will be using this as a launchpad for a spring campaign similar to 2017. Looks Like Power was a revelation last time, but that was inspired by a step up to 3m and his higher mark over this shorter trip means he faces a stiff task in conceding 18lb to THE BAY BIRCH. The mare was a C&D winner before bumping into an improved type last time. Her mark goes up 3lb at the end of the week and she will take plenty of beating.