Ayton Castle Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:54 | Winning time: 5m 51.98s

Stellar Notion^t³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 12-6| J: Danny Cook| T: T R George| OR: 137

11/4

Very capable performer on his day as shown for previous trainer Henry De Bromhead at Leopardstown; 2m5f (January 2017). Underfoot conditions ideal, welter burden less so, but should be fitter for the run at Kempton last month.

Form: 2PP/P04-

Lough Derg Jewel¹³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 129| CD

6/1

Well beaten over C&D in January (soft), but he'd won his first two starts over fences prior to that (2m4f), so can be excused that effort. Different ground today and an absence to overcome, but well suited to Kelso over hurdles previously.

Form: 332/117-

Sudski Star^b,t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-5| J: Callum Bewley⁽³⁾| T: Mrs H O Graham| OR: 122| C

5/1

Regular course winner (hurdles and chases), but never over further than 2m2f. Left toiling behind the progressive Oak Vintage latest (third) and looks to be vulnerable over this trip against some solid stayers.

Form: 61731-3

Blue Kascade¹⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Rachel McDonald⁽⁵⁾| T: A M Thomson| OR: 120

10/1

Back to his best when a shock winner at Perth just ten days ago (3m good) and has conditions to his liking once more off just a 4lb higher mark. Likes to dictate, but can blow hot and cold, so not wholly bulletproof.

Form: P/P16-71

Amilliontimes^t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: Ross Chapman⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Stephen| OR: 116| C

3/1

Course winner (2m5f+ good) during a most productive spell in the summer/autumn of 2016. Back from a six month break with a solid effort over 3m2f here earlier this month; beaten just 1¼L by Cobajayisland.

Form: 5/2644-2

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 20p in the pound

Non-Runners

Looking Well³⁶

Weight: 12-5| Age: 9

T: N G Richards J: R D Day

Jovial Joey²⁰

Weight: 11-6| Age: 7

T: M A Barnes J: Dale Irving

Forecasts

Stellar Notion (11/4), Amilliontimes (3/1), Sudski Star (5/1), Lough Derg Jewel (6/1), Blue Kascade (10/1), Looking Well (10/1), Jovial Joey (20/1)

Early season when it can be advantageous to have a fresh horse with which to go to war. Both Lough Derg Jewel and AMILLIONTIMES fall into that category for their respective connections and are no strangers to this Borders venue. The former looked to be a chaser going places prior to disappointing over C&D in January. He needs to prove himself over this trip, so the vote goes to the Jackie Stephens trained course winner who emerged with distinct credit from a six month break latest. Others to consider include the slightly risky front runner Blue Kascade and the 2016 winner (over 3m2f) Looking Well.