15:15 Taunton

Thursday 13 December 2018

All12:3513:0513:3514:1014:4515:1515:50

Elizabeth Chatfield 40th Birthday Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:18 | Winning time: 4m 35.06s

Beau Bay^h,t²⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 134| D

16/1

In good form towards the back-end of last season but set to race from 10lb higher than his last winning mark. Not seen out since unseating in the Topham chase at Aintree in April, but sound claims if fully wound up for his return.

Form: 31312U-

Western Miller^t²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 133

12/1

Faded on seasonal debut at Wetherby but was entitled to need the run after 211 days on the sidelines. No issues with trip or ground but doesn't looks especially well handicapped.

Form: 22402-5

Capeland^t²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 133| D

7/4

Highly consistent since switching to fences and won his last two starts with a bit in hand. Up 3lb here but still on the upgrade. Has to be considered as a player.

Form: 2-22211

Lillington^b1,t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Angus Cheleda⁽¹⁰⁾| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 124

7/1

Already had a profitable 2018 and not unduly punished with a 2lb rise for winning at Lingfield last month. First-time blinkers can help over this longer trip. One to bear in mind if the market vibes are positive.

Form: U2-1141

Valseur Du Granval^t¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: P J Brennan| T: T R George| OR: 124| D

20/1

Has looked weighted to the limit since winning at Ludlow in April and has something to prove after a poor run at Exeter last month.

Form: 71-9736

Amoola Gold³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 123

11/2

Won well on chasing debut last time and looks ready for a crack at this sort of trip. A 6lb higher mark has to be a worry though.

Form: 2/0-2571

Otter Moon³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 122

8/1

It's taken him a couple of spins over fences to get the blood pumping but he wasn't disgraced last time out and holds a feasible chance of at least making the frame. Worth a betting check.

Form: 331-836

Ballywood³²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 127

5/1

Runner up on his sole start over fences in his native France and looks ready for another throw of the dice in chasing company. Recent form over timber is reasonable; another to monitor closely.

Form: 1120-44

Railroad Junkie^t²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-3| J: James Bowen| T: Evan Williams| OR: 111

20/1

Weighted to get a little closer to Capeland after their encounter at Wincanton last month. But this still looks a stiff test and he needs a bit of good fortune in his bid to reverse the form.

Form: 2461U3

Forecasts

Capeland (7/4), Ballywood (5/1), Amoola Gold (11/2), Lillington (7/1), Otter Moon (8/1), Western Miller (12/1), Beau Bay (16/1), Railroad Junkie (20/1), Valseur Du Granval (20/1)

The progressive CAPELAND took time to warm to the task over fences but the penny has now dropped and he should make a bold bid to land his three-timer. Otter Moon represents good value to make the frame, while Ballywood and Amoola Gold are unexposed as chasers and are also worth considering as alternatives.