Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase (Listed)

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 5m 1.2s

Cyrname^h,t²⁰⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150| BF| D

1/1

Front-runner who developed into a very smart chaser last season (won two Grade 2 chases; the highest rated of these off a mark of 150. Was entered at Down Royal this weekend but connections come here instead and there could be more to come from him.

Form: 121214-

Mister Whitaker²³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Adrian Heskin| T: M R Channon| OR: 145| CD

3/1

Winner on this card last year before going on to win at the Festival and did nothing but improve all season with his rating improving from 118 to 145. Lots to like about him but this will prove his stiffest test so far; back from a break.

Form: 3/31211-

Saint Leo³²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: A M Thomson| OR: 145

20/1

Previously with Guillaume Macaire in France he won three hurdles and two chases in his native land although he fell on his last start there. Now with a new a new yard (same owner) but thrown in at the deep end on his GB debut.

Form: 13/115F-

Rene's Girl²⁰⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 141| D

4/1

Fair hurdler who has proved much better over fences and landed two Listed events last year that were confined to mares. Rounded off her season with an excellent 2nd in a Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree; respected on her comeback for a top yard.

Form: F13112-

Happy Diva^t²²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: R Patrick| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 140| D

9/1

Took a few runs to get off the mark over hurdles but she's now won three out of her last four over fences (only beaten small fields though). Generally jumps soundly but does have to prove herself at this level; beaten twice in Listed races.

Form: 221121-

Non-Runners

Thomas Patrick²⁰⁴

Weight: 11-6| Age: 6

T: T Lacey J: R Johnson

Forecasts

Cyrname (1/1), Mister Whitaker (3/1), Thomas Patrick (3/1), Rene's Girl (4/1), Happy Diva (9/1), Saint Leo (20/1)

Paul Nicholls won this with Saphir Du Rheu in 2015 and he fields another good candidate in CYRNAME who now that he has learned to settle looks a very smart front-running chaser. With all the runners having been off the course 200 plus days you are guessing at their fitness but the market has been a good guide in this race with the biggest SP 4/1. Thomas Patrick and Mister Whitaker are both progressive young chasers whose form continues to improve and their connections will both be looking for a run that will provide a springboard for the season. If the official ratings are taken literally then at the weights Rene’s Girl has the same chance as the Nicholls horse; she could play a part here.