Smith & Garratt Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:45 | Winning time: 4m 2.40s

Ink Master^t¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 127| D

7/2

Goes particularly well on good ground, though also acts on good to firm. In tremendous form of late and had he not pecked on landing after the last at Stratford last time, he could have had a four-timer. Claims from 1lb higher.

Form: 551112

Ifandbutwhynot^t²³

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr William Easterby⁽⁵⁾| T: T D Easterby| OR: 127| D

4/1

5lb higher than when winning at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in July. Held from this mark last time at Cartmel, but that was still a good effort. Probably wants it good or slower to have his best chance.

Form: 4-25312

Cubomania^t²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: R Johnson| T: G Elliott| OR: 125| BF

13/8

Beat Trongate (runs in 4.45) by 2½L at Perth (2m4f, good) on his chase debut last month, but made mistakes back in Ireland last time. Has to be considered a major player if back to the form of that chase debut with the champion up.

Form: 1152-16

Sudski Star^b,t¹¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Thomas Dowson⁽³⁾| T: Mrs H O Graham| OR: 121| CD

8/1

Four-time course winner, who is at his best on good or good to soft ground, so some rain would help him. 5lb higher than when winning at Carlisle in March (career-best), but held from just 1lb higher since. Bit to prove.

Form: 1731-34

Honourable Gent^h⁴⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Craig Nichol| T: R Dobbin| OR: 115| C

4/1

4-9 over fences, the most recent of those wins coming at Perth (2m, good) in June, when 3lb lower. Bettered that from this mark back there next time, but out of sorts latest and more is needed.

Form: 211/132

Non-Runners

Hargam³¹

Weight: 11-7| Age: 7

T: J & S Quinn J: R P McLernon

Forecasts

Cubomania (13/8), Ink Master (7/2), Hargam (7/2), Honourable Gent (4/1), Ifandbutwhynot (4/1), Sudski Star (8/1)

Cubomania is interesting here and if back to the form of his chasing debut he should be thereabouts. However, INK MASTER has been in very good form himself just lately and with a clear round he has a big part to play, especially if the ground remains on the quick side. Ifandbutwhynot probably wants some rain, Hargam needs to find a bit more, and the same goes for Honourable Gent.