Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 4m 27.43s

Frankie Ballou^p,h²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Miss J E Foster| OR: 98| CD

11/10

Appears to like this C&D having won twice over it in his last three runs and ran with credit over it last time but is now nudged up another 2lb in the handicap. Hood worn for the two wins returns with the addition of cheekpieces now.

Form: 02P112

Paddling²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Finian O'Toole⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 96

9/4

Consistent sort who has not finished out of the first four since winning at Catterick in December. Gets a slight ease in the weights here to help his cause although he does have work to do with Frankie Ballou from a recent clash.

Form: 313234

Book Of Love¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: R D Day⁽³⁾| T: M Todhunter| OR: 84

10/1

Point-to-point winner who may do better now he is switched to fences having shown little so far in one run for this yard (over hurdles) and previously in Ireland. Only looks modest but ought to be able to make an impression off this mark.

Form: 0898-17

Monbeg Cave^p1¹⁹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Henry Brooke| T: M Todhunter| OR: 78

14/1

One of two similar types that the yard run here with this one having shown little when tried over hurdles. Has shown some aptitude for fences despite finishing well held and may need the run now; cheekpieces worn for the first time.

Form: 88870-4

Rapid Fritz^t³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: Thomas Dowson⁽³⁾| T: V Thompson| OR: 71

11/2

Maiden handicapper who continues to struggle over fences and hurdles. Well held here last time and runs from out the handicap here. Little chance even in this company.

Form: 6F86P5

Forecasts

Frankie Ballou (11/10), Paddling (9/4), Rapid Fritz (11/2), Book Of Love (10/1), Monbeg Cave (14/1)

Another event where there isn’t much strength in depth and despite being beaten over C&D last time FRANKIE BALLOU ought to be able to get back on the winning trail now despite edging up the weight. Paddling looks to provide his main danger although he probably needs some more help from the handicapper. Martin Todhunter runs a couple and both may be capable of better in this sphere with Book Of Love the pick of the duo.