18:20 Wincanton

Thursday 10 May 2018

All17:2017:5018:2018:5019:2019:5020:20

Mirage Signs Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 18:20 | Winning time: 3m 51.10s

Tikkinthebox^t¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Robert Hawker⁽⁵⁾| T: J Scott| OR: 106

11/4

His form over fences so far has been rather hit-and-miss with the hit coming on his last run at Taunton where he turned in a career-best. Now up 7lb he does have to prove that he can repeat that run given his previous inconsistencies.

Form: PF63P1-

Isis Blue^t²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: David Noonan| T: Kieran Burke| OR: 104

16/1

A winner on the Flat he has raced three times over hurdles without success and now makes his chasing debut for a capable yard. One to note in the market for positive signs.

Form: 438-

A Montmartre³⁰⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Nick Mitchell| OR: 100| D

12/1

Won a Taunton handicap hurdle with plenty in hand off a 3lb lower mark early last year but failed to complete in his one run since then and underperformed in the other. Now back from a break making his chasing debut.

Form: 5351/F8-

Overawed¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: P J Brennan| T: T R George| OR: 97| D

8/1

Very lucky to win a Southwell handicap hurdle over 2m in the early months of last year but has shown very little since. Shaped as though she would be better for the run last time on chase debut but made no great impression.

Form: 051/005-

Westerberry⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Kevin Jones⁽⁵⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 95

16/1

Well held in bumpers and over hurdles when last seen making very little impact and was handed a stiff-looking mark for her handicap debut. Now switches to fences off a 4lb lower mark (was pulled-up lame last time); risky proposition.

Form: 77P06P-

Third Act^b⁷⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 92| DWS

5/2

Unreliable sort who makes his return here having had a wind op and it is a long while since his last win. Pulled-up when last seen but given a big chance by the handicapper if the wind op is effective; 18lb below last winning mark.

Form: 34FP8P-

Two Hoots³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J Scott| OR: 86

7/2

Was with Paul Nicholls but failed to prove up to the mark and his form over fences looks rather modest. Mark continues to fall but he looks as though he's finding it tough to take advantage; stable rather quiet.

Form: 0/54U53-

My Diamond^b¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Dave Crosse| T: Mrs L J Young| OR: 67

25/1

Failed to make much of a mark in handicaps over hurdles and two chasing outings also in handicaps have offered little encouragement.

Form: FP/P3PU-

Forecasts

Third Act (5/2), Tikkinthebox (11/4), Two Hoots (7/2), Overawed (8/1), A Montmartre (12/1), Isis Blue (16/1), Westerberry (16/1), My Diamond (25/1)

This isn’t a strong event and with the Jeremy Scott yard rather struggling for form the Taunton winner Tikkinthebox may find it difficult to follow-up here. Overawed only showed some minor promise on her chasing debut and a chance is taken that the wind op will have rejuvenated the rather awkward THIRD ACT who is now on a very attractive mark. Isis Blue doesn’t have many miles on the clock and although this is his chasing debut he’s worth noting in the market for a yard that know the time of day with this sort.