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Off time: 18:10 | Winning time: 3m 50.9s

Comanche Chieftain²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 12-1| J: Harry Teal⁽⁷⁾| T: N B King| OR: 122| CD

8/1

C&D winner over hurdles but so far his chasing form (not bred for this discipline) has been below that of his hurdling form. Not been able to go from the front yet though (all hurdles wins; made all) and different proposition if he does.

Form: 3250-24

Little Chunk^t¹⁶⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 119| D

7/1

Twice a winner over hurdles for his previous yard he was well held on his chasing debut at Ludlow (2m, heavy). Dropped 3lb for that run and still early days for him and may be refreshed after a break on better ground.

Form: 11/P224-

Joueur Bresilien^b1,t1⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: R Johnson| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 119

3/1

Ran his best race over fences when taking the runner-up slot at Ludlow (2m, good) looked the winner for the most part. Unable to build on that run and ran very poorly when last seen at Warwick; jumped poorly/went in snatches.

Form: 43/623-7

One For Billy^t¹⁵⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 118| D

3/1

Fairly useful over hurdles gaining a novice and handicap win last year although his two starts after his latest win have been underwhelming. Now goes chasing for the first time for a yard who have started the season in cracking form.

Form: 193156-

Nikki Steel^p1³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 111| BF| D

9/4

Point-to-point winner who was a consistent sort for the most part over hurdles (won a small-field handicap at odds-on). Ran well when last seen and now goes chasing off what looks to be a decent enough mark with cheekpieces on.

Form: 212/P-22

Dark Invader^p1¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 100

6/1

Stepped up markedly on his debut chasing form with a second at Worcester just failing to get up. Cheekpieces now employed for the first time and looks to have solid claims here off the same mark.

Form: 3444-62

Field Exhibition¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: T J O'Brien| T: Christian Williams| OR: 97

16/1

Nothing much to show for his 20 starts when trained in Ireland and now makes his debut for a new yard. Shaped well enough though when falling when in contention last time and there may be a little more to come now.

Form: 534-76F

Forecasts

Nikki Steel (9/4), One For Billy (3/1), Joueur Bresilien (3/1), Dark Invader (6/1), Little Chunk (7/1), Comanche Chieftain (8/1), Field Exhibition (16/1)

Reverting to more prominent tactics would surely be a positive for Comanche Chieftain as would the reintroduction of headgear off this sort of mark but once again it looks as though he would face competition for the lead. DARK INVADER went close last time and off the same mark with cheekpieces now applied he looks to be the one to beat. Little Chunk can be given a chance if a break has refreshed him with Nikki Steel respected; he’s just the type that the stable do well with over the summer months. One For Billy has to also be given a mention with his yard in good form in what is a competitive opener.