Charnwood Forest Mares' Chase (Listed)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 3m 55.7s

Arian^p,t²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: R T Dunne| T: J L Flint| OR: 116| D

2/1

Won both a bumper and a maiden hurdle on soft. Conditions were the same for her promising chase debut at Hereford last month, when 3¼L second (in first-time tongue-tie/cheekpieces combination). That was an improvement. Could be more to come.

Form: 221-392

Blackdown Hills¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: N de Boinville| T: J W Mullins| OR: 113| D

14/1

Dual good ground hurdle winner last year at up to 2m4f. Has failed to get to anything like her best hurdles run in two chase starts so far. Would have claims if she could do so, but has a bit to prove at present.

Form: 2-119P3

Desirable Court^t¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 131| C| D

1/2

Walked over on chase debut at Warwick before being last of five at Worcester. Back with a vengeance here over 2m4f (good to firm) last time, when winning a three-runner contest. The one to beat if she can back that up.

Form: 223151

Hope's Wishes¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: F Brennan| OR: 94| D

50/1

Goes on any ground. On a 20-race losing run stretching back to March 2016. Was placed in a chase here last year, albeit well held, and form nothing like strong enough in five chase starts to present a threat here.

Form: 426634

Forecasts

Desirable Court (1/2), Arian (2/1), Blackdown Hills (14/1), Hope's Wishes (50/1)

Dan Skelton looks to have found a good opportunity for DESIRABLE COURT to follow up her recent success at the track. Although she stays around 3m, her win here over 2m4f last time suggests that she still has enough speed to see off this field over the minimum trip. Arian is probably the one to chase her home after a promising chase debut, with Blackdown Hills also having potential for second spot if she can return to better form here.