Vertem Very Different Stockbrokers Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:07 | Winning time: 5m 52.9s

Gold Opera^v⁴⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Lucy Alexander| T: N W Alexander| OR: 117| CD

15/2

Hasn't been in great form of late and pulled up last time when tried over longer trip in heavy ground. Coming down the weights but hasn't really shown enough to inspire too much confidence here.

Form: 1-4P55P

Whitsundays^b1,t³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 116

6/1

Wears blinkers for the first time having disappointed in his last two runs having won nicely at Kelso in January. Still 7lb higher though than that success so needs to recover his form in the new headgear.

Form: 322155

Asking Questions^t,v⁷^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Harry Skelton| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 107

15/8

On a hattrick after two wins at Carlisle in the last five weeks, and stayed on well last Sunday to just edge home. Sure the be thereabouts if that tough race hasn't left its mark.

Form: 263611

Swing Hard⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 108| CD

15/8

Three good placed runs this season but pulled up twice as well, so something of an in-and-out performer. Kept on stoutly last time to finish second and should be thereabouts if on a going day.

Form: 2-33PP2

Valzan^b⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Tony Kelly| T: R Menzies| OR: 99

5/1

Shown very little in five starts since joining current yard from France. Eased another 4lb but hard to see him getting involved where it matters.

Form: 25979P

Non-Runners

Ascot De Bruyere¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 8

T: J Ewart J: Non Runner

The Orange Rogue¹

Weight: 11-2| Age: 11

T: N W Alexander J: Grant Cockburn

Forecasts

Asking Questions (15/8), Swing Hard (15/8), Valzan (5/1), Whitsundays (6/1), Ascot De Bruyere (7/1), Gold Opera (15/2), The Orange Rogue (10/1)

Although he's moving up the handicap, hat-trick seeking ASKING QUESTIONS should again give a good account of himself with Harry Skelton again doing the honours. If The Orange Rogue is none the worse for his tumble last time he might well make a race of it, while it would not surprise to see either Gold Opera or Whitsundays find a bit of form. Any money for Ascot De Bruyere would be interesting following his long absence.