Smarkets Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 3m 57.9s

Peppay Le Pugh^t¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 115| D

6/4

Yet another to show a large chunk of improvement for the switch to this yard. Having won twice on the bounce as easily as he likes, the handicapper has reacted with a 15lb rise which asks plenty more. Sound claims once more.

Form: 2222-11

All Is Good¹²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: C Poste| T: R Dickin| OR: 109| BF| D

11/4

Shown promise over fences so far and was sent off favourite for a similar race at Huntingdon when last seen. Returns from a four-month break and interesting to see if the money comes for him again here.

Form: 5146-42

Cap Du Nord¹⁵⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: D F O'Regan| T: Christian Williams| OR: 109| D

13/2

Showed good progression over hurdles when last seen in the spring. Interesting contender on chasing debut and type to do better over the larger obstacles. Market check needed.

Form: 0613P4-

Railroad Junkie^t³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 104

25/1

Showed some promise in maiden hurdles but very little impact since switching to handicaps. Interesting that connections are keen to go over fences sooner rather than later but will need to improve on what we have seen over timber.

Form: 7-73246

Blazon^p³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 104| D

4/1

0/9 over hurdles and struggled to make an impact in that sphere with various headgear combinations tried. Cheekpieces go on for the first time today and too early to be writing off just yet with switch to fences a good move.

Form: 44-P043

By Rail^h²³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: J M Quinlan| T: N P Littmoden| OR: 98

16/1

Maiden over hurdles in five starts. Seemed to improve a bit for fences when finishing second of four at Worcester three weeks ago. Was still beaten 27L and needs to step up on that again here but potential to do better.

Form: 706-832

Non-Runners

Ken's Well³³¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 7

T: Miss J S Davis J: James Davies

Hurricane Rita¹⁷

Weight: 10-7| Age: 8

T: C R Dore J: P J Brennan

Forecasts

Peppay Le Pugh (6/4), All Is Good (11/4), Blazon (4/1), Cap Du Nord (13/2), By Rail (16/1), Hurricane Rita (16/1), Ken's Well (16/1), Railroad Junkie (25/1)

It is hard to get away from the claims of hat-trick seeking PEPPAY LE PUGH who has been a revelation since joining Dan Skelton. He can take the 15lb rise in his stride and win again. All Is Good should do better in this sphere and is very much respected. Cap Du Nord also has potential to improve no going chasing.