16:15 Taunton

Monday 4 February 2019

All13:4514:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:45

Southwest Racing Club Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 6m 9.55s

Silverhow^t1⁸⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 132WS

11/1

Winner of a competitive novices chase at Sandown last April, although arguably form of that hasn't worked out that well, and handicapper very slow to release his grip after two moderate efforts last autumn. Others make more appeal.

Form: 1231-05

Diplomate Sivola⁶⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr D Maxwell⁽⁵⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 130| D

9/2

Twice knocked on the door at Fontwell to start this season, looking unlucky not to win and like a step up in distance would suit. Confirmed that with 12L win at Lingfield in November over this trip on good to soft. Handicapper has added 13lb since.

Form: F43-321

Easy Street⁵⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130

33/1

4-19 over fences and generally most effective on a sound surface. Not an easy ride and others have more convincing claims.

Form: P722U0

Touch Kick^t³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 129| BF| C

7/4

Scored at Hereford on his reappearance and twice in the frame since at Newbury and Chepstow, first try beyond 2m5f but capable of being involved if stamina holds out.

Form: 713-123

Vice Et Vertu^b³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: P J Brennan| T: H D Daly| OR: 128

7/1

Ffos Last winner on good ground over 3m in May, also a winner on heavy in the past. Ran well on Ascot reappearance (second) in November and this perhaps an easier test than one he faced at Newbury over Christmas. On a good mark too.

Form: 13P-127

Uhlan Bute^p¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 128

9/1

Wide margin winner of a veterans' race last month at Plumpton. Faces a stiffer task here under a penalty as it is two years since he was last competitive from marks as high as this.

Form: 15-7531

Le Boizelo³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: S Bowen| T: R Walford| OR: 127

3/1

Winner at Wincanton last January, had lost his way but confidence should be increased after two placed efforts at Exeter either side of Christmas, latest second over 3m. Bumped up 2lb but running well again.

Form: 14U-F32

Lieutenant Colonel^p,t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: J J Burke| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 125

50/1

Dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles but pulled up on first two starts after joining this yard. Bit better last time at Ludlow over 2m4f though still plenty to work on despite some assistance from the handicapper.

Form: P-76PP3

Bramble Brook^p,t⁵⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: R Johnson| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 124

16/1

Struck form at this point last year when winning minor races at Fontwell and Plumpton. Hit hard by the handicapper after winning a three-runner race by a wide margin however and subsequent efforts suggest that run flattered him.

Form: 43-1633

Non-Runners

Fox Appeal²⁶

Weight: 12-0| Age: 12

T: Miss E C Lavelle J: Aidan Coleman

Dream Bolt³⁰

Weight: 11-0| Age: 11

T: D A Rees J: S Bowen

Forecasts

Touch Kick (7/4), Le Boizelo (3/1), Diplomate Sivola (9/2), Vice Et Vertu (7/1), Fox Appeal (8/1), Uhlan Bute (9/1), Silverhow (11/1), Bramble Brook (16/1), Dream Bolt (16/1), Easy Street (33/1), Lieutenant Colonel (50/1)

VICE ET VERTU handles any ground and having put in a good performance at Ascot on his reappearance, he was a bit disappointing in the finish at Newbury over Christmas. That was a tough race however and, with 2lb in his favour since, Paddy Brennan's mount can challenge for this contest. There are plenty of dangers in an open event, with Lingfield winner Diplomate Sivola attempting to defy the assessor and Fox Appeal proven over C&D. Touch Kick must prove his stamina but Le Boizelo has posted two better efforts lately and comes her with confidence restored.