New Destination Spa At The Ardencote Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:05 | Winning time: 4m 34.9s

Craigmor^p1²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy| OR: 106| BF

9/4

Won a point in Ireland and has steadily improved over hurdles of late including behind thriving rival Mr Maffia (runs 4.30) last time. Cheekpieces go on for switch to fences and has solid claims with Richard Johnson booked.

Form: 8433-32

Closest Friend^t⁵⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Bannister| T: J M P Eustace| OR: 104| D

9/1

Went close in a couple of novice chases when with Dan Skelton. Looked badly in need of the run at Huntingdon on return to action and should strip a little fitter now. On a dangerous mark should everything click.

Form: 2732P/4

Djarkevi^t1⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: B S Hughes| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 102

8/1

There were bits and pieces of his form that would suggest this will be a very workable mark now he switches to fences. Tongue-tie added after a poor run last time. That was his first run after wind surgery and should be capable of better.

Form: 673-280

Alexander The Grey^t¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 97

17/2

Now a 16-race maiden and hasn't looked anywhere like being ready to strike of late. Slipping down the weights but others are much preferred.

Form: 230-P86

Bleu Et Or^h,t⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 92

6/4

Ran with the choke out on rules return in a Hunter Chase here last month. Moved to a yard that does really well with recruits from elsewhere so no great shock should he show plenty more.

Form: 321/P1-5

St Merryn^t⁵³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Edward Austin⁽⁷⁾| T: B R Summers| OR: 77

9/1

Ran well to finish 8L third over an extended 2m1f at Exeter (good-to-soft) in May but went backwards at Warwick next time. Out the weights here and probably up against it.

Form: 93P3-64

Forecasts

Bleu Et Or (6/4), Craigmor (9/4), Djarkevi (8/1), Alexander The Grey (17/2), St Merryn (9/1), Closest Friend (9/1)

It would be no surprise to see a much better showing from Bleu Et Or now he is with Fergal O'Brien. Any market move for him would be interesting. Djarkevi should be capable of better at some point and is respected but this looks a good opportunity for CRAIGMOR to win on chasing debut for a yard that won this race last year.