Cobnobs Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 6m 38.8s

Huff And Puff²⁴²

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 120

15/2

Winning hurdler who has improved a little since being sent over fences winning twice so far (wins separated by a 13 month gap). Easy to back and ran poorly when last seen but returns with the yard in good form; market confidence to guide.

Form: 251/13-9

Hey Bill³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 118| C

5/2

Improved steadily over fences early last year recording two course wins over shorter trips (the last gained in the Stewards Room). Given a break after that last win but hasn't quite found his form as yet this winter; looked laboured when last seen.

Form: B21-6U6

Smuggler's Blues⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 117

9/2

Off the mark on third start in Irish point-to-points (fell debut) but has never quite got a clear run over hurdles (useful form but yet to win). Made a discouraging start to his fencing career (first handicap) never really getting on terms.

Form: 1/643-84

Lex Talionis^p,t²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Bannister| T: C J Mann| OR: 113

20/1

Matched his hurdles form on his initial start over fences (not really bred for the task) with a second at Taunton (off 2lb higher). Failed to back that run up though in two subsequent starts; needs to show some spark before he's worth supporting.

Form: 1-66276

Market Road^p,t¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 107

10/1

Returned to the form of last season (won five handicaps; hurdles/fences) last time out having slipped to a good mark (cheekpieces reinstated). Won with a little bit in hand and only raised 4lb; question mark over this trip; 0-5 beyond 2m6f.

Form: 4UP421

Mistress Massini¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Rex Dingle⁽⁵⁾| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 99| C

6/4

Bumper and point-to-point winner (3-4) who looks rejuvenated returned to this yard under Rules winning her last two starts working from a lowly base. Up 10lb for her last win but had plenty in hand; hard to think there isn't more to come.

Form: 11-4111

Forecasts

Mistress Massini (6/4), Hey Bill (5/2), Smuggler's Blues (9/2), Huff And Puff (15/2), Market Road (10/1), Lex Talionis (20/1)

Hard to look beyond the improving and hat-trick seeking MISTRESS MASSINI who faces a 10lb rise for two easy handicap wins here over 3m and at Catterick (3m1f) on her return to racing under Rules. The handicapper is unlikely to have caught up with her yet and she should continue her progression. Market Road is another who has refound his form of late although there is a question mark about him staying this trip even on this sharp track. Smuggler’s Blues didn’t really get the run of events on his chasing debut and this Irish point-to-point winner is expected to do better now on his second try over the larger obstacles.