Pertemps Network Intermediate Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:25 | Winning time: 5m 22.60s

Rocklander²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: P J Brennan| T: T R George| OR: 145

7/2

Mixed bag during his novice chase season, but was good when he got it right, including when third at the Cheltenham Festival. A faller at Aintree last time, he has a leading chance in this if putting in a clear round.

Form: 0/1U13F-

Ballyarthur^t¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 138| D

9/4

On an upward curve following wins at Uttoxeter and Perth. Up 12lb for those two wins, but the ceiling of his ability may not have been reached.

Form: 3P2311-

Midnight Shot¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: T J O'Brien| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 136| C| D

7/1

Not at his best on recent starts, including over the Grand National fences at Aintree. Dropping down the weights and return to a sound surface should help.

Form: 5138P6-

Beggar's Wishes^b,t³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 132| D

7/1

Two wins from five starts over fences and generally progressive. Form of his latest win has been boosted by the subsequent success of the third so he is certainly worth a second look.

Form: 7/15421-

Cracking Find²²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 131

11/2

Back-to-back wins at Catterick and Carlisle before being found out off a higher mark at Ayr. Up another 1lb and may prefer more cut in the ground.

Form: 153116-

Exxaro^b,t¹⁸⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 127

9/1

Dual hurdle winner, but is 0-10 over fences. Pulled up at Newbury last time and has plenty to find despite receiving some assistance from the handicapper.

Form: 22240P-

Lofgren^t²²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 126

8/1

Not much to shout about on recent starts over fences and although he was second at Ayr last time he was beaten a long way. Hard to fancy even though his rating has gone down significantly.

Form: 4565P2-

Forecasts

Ballyarthur (9/4), Rocklander (7/2), Cracking Find (11/2), Beggar's Wishes (7/1), Midnight Shot (7/1), Lofgren (8/1), Exxaro (9/1)

Holes can be picked in several of these so the ones to concentrate on are Ballyarthur, Beggar's Wishes and ROCKLANDER. The first two remain on an upward curve, but the selection boasts a class advantage and may be good enough to take care of his main rivals at these weights. Midnight Shot and Cracking Find look the best of the rest.