Betway 'Auld Reekie' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 4m 58.20s

Voix D'Eau^p,t²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Callum Bewley| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 142| D

16/1

Not disgraced when seventh over Grand National fences last time and runs off 3lb lower mark now. Scored twice at this trip this summer and ground suits so won't be far away.

Form: 313177

Mixboy⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: B S Hughes| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 140| C

3/1

Versatile gelding who has won on the Flat and over hurdles in his last two starts and is in great heart. Won here over 2m last year but stays this trip so another big effort not ruled out despite 8lb rise.

Form: PF/12-31

Knockgraffon^p,t²²⁸

4/1

Won this race 12 months ago beating Upsilon Bleu by just over a length. 3lb worse off with that rival this time and returns from wind surgery and absence of 228 days. Usually needs a run so will do well to land this again.

Form: 51F46-5

Upsilon Bleu²³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-7| J: Henry Brooke| T: Miss P Robson| OR: 137| D

3/1

Close second in this last year and 3lb better off with the winner, Knockgraffon. Travelled well on first start this term at Kelso over 2m6f only to fade after last. Should strip fitter and trip suits so has plenty going for him.

Form: 25275-3

Forth Bridge^p¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 128| BF| C

7/4

Is 2-3 here over 2m, including winning listed hurdle. 0-6 in six chases since May and looks in handicapper's grip, but is 9lb lower than last hurdle win here so not out of it at his favourite venue.

Form: 222432

Forecasts

Forth Bridge (7/4), Mixboy (3/1), Upsilon Bleu (3/1), Knockgraffon (4/1), Voix D'Eau (16/1)

A numerically disapointing turnout for this decent prize but a good race is in prospect. UPSILON BLEU, runner-up in this 12 months ago, is 3lb better off the with the winner, Knockgraffon, and ran well for a long way on his seasonal return. He can gain his revenge this time. Knockgraffon returns from both a long absence and wind surgery and has needed a run or two in the past to reach his peak so has it to do to score again. Voix D'Eau has solid claims off top weight, and the other pair, Forth Bridge and Mixboy cannot be ruled out either in a fascinating affair.