Fernie Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 3m 56.20s

Militarian⁴⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: J Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: Andrew Martin| OR: 135

1/1

Consistent and likeable sort who landed back-to-back handicaps over further late last year; showed a good attitude. Put up a good display over 3m when last seen despite his winning spree coming to an end; 2m looks a little short on this occasion.

Form: 342114

Knockmaole Boy^h,t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁷⁾| T: Jean-Rene Auvray| OR: 128| D

12/1

Not short of winning form when trained in Ireland; showed promise on his chase start (outclassed, not disgraced); handled with care. Travels strongly and this is easier; entitled to progress and certainly not out of this.

Form: 21112-3

Eureu Du Boulay^t³²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Kielan Woods| T: R Hobson| OR: 126| BF

11/10

Improved performer since tactics were changed to front-running over fences; won handicaps from the front at Catterick and Sedgefield in December. Has run well in two starts since (tough test last time); good chance to dominate once again.

Form: 451124

Forecasts

Militarian (1/1), Eureu Du Boulay (11/10), Knockmaole Boy (12/1)

Despite getting beaten last time EUREU DU BOULAY still turned in a good display in a better race than this faced with some decent types over a trip that may well have stretched his stamina. He should get a chance to lead this time and a short break won’t have done him any harm. Knockmaole Boy showed that he will be capable of winning over fences with his first display in this sphere coming in a race that he had little chance of winning. Considerately handled there was promise in that performance and he should have more pace than Militarian to take the runner-up slot.