Sky Sports Racing Launching January 1st Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 5m 33.5s

Militarian¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: J Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: Andrew Martin| OR: 130

7/2

Well backed Taunton handicap winner on his last start gaining reward for some consistent recent efforts. That wasn't a strong race, though, and a 9lb rise looks a little harsh on balance.

Form: P2-3421

Enjoy Responsibly³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Harrison Beswick⁽⁷⁾| T: O Sherwood| OR: 130| CD

5/2

Both wins since coming from Ireland have been gained in C&D handicaps, and he bounced back to form when third of 11 to Touch Kick at Hereford last time. Should be cherry-ripe now, and likely to go well at favoured venue.

Form: 4310-53

Holbrook Park^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁷⁾| T: N B King| OR: 129| C| D

3/1

Has had breathing problems, but still won three times last season, including here. Made a promising return when second at Lingfield, and sound jumping will stand him in good stead here.

Form: P2141-2

Forth Bridge^p³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 125

5/2

Dual hurdles winner at Musselburgh as a juvenile, and is gradually getting his act together over fences, making the frame again at Wincanton last time. Handicapped to go close, but doesn't always find a great deal in a finish.

Form: 022243

The Geegeez Geegee^p,t¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy| OR: 115| D

16/1

Won two of first three starts over fences for current yard last year, and off more than a year before finishing last of seven finishers here two weeks ago. Would have needed that, and better expected now.

Form: P1314-7

Forecasts

Forth Bridge (5/2), Enjoy Responsibly (5/2), Holbrook Park (3/1), Militarian (7/2), The Geegeez Geegee (16/1)

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY goes well here and looks primed for a big effort after a good effort at Hereford last time. He's preferred to Forth Bridge, while The Geegeez Geegee ought to do better on his second start back from a long absence.