netbet.co.uk Handicap Chase

Off time: 18:25 | Winning time: 4m 31.2s

Mercian King²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 119| CD

7/4

Held in a Flat race at Chelmsford last month but fared better when finishing runner-up at Stratford (2m1f, good) on his return to fences last time. One to note in this contest.

Form: 713F3-2

Royal Plaza^t²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy| OR: 119

9/4

Finished third the last twice including in a three runner contest at Towcester (good-to-firm) last time out. Disappointed that day but of interest back in handicap company.

Form: 23F63-3

Purple 'n Gold^p¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: David Noonan| T: D Pipe| OR: 116| C

8/1

Struggled when beaten 66L into fourth on his return to fences earlier this month. Interesting to see how he fares off a 4lb lower mark.

Form: 04U-504

Le Precieux¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 111| BF

9/4

Sent off favourite but failed to complete over an extended 2m at Fakenham (good) earlier this month. Interesting if putting in a clear round.

Form: 05F6-6U

Forecasts

Mercian King (7/4), Royal Plaza (9/4), Le Precieux (9/4), Purple 'n Gold (8/1)

MERCIAN KING can go one better than when finishing second last time by taking this four runner handicap chase. The selection has the trip and ground to suit and can get the better of Le Precieux who receives weight from his rivals here. Third place can go the way of Royal Plaza who should appreciate this return to handicaps.