16:00 Taunton

Monday 11 March 2019

All14:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:0517:40

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed At Cheltenham Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 7m 25.50s

Rolling Dylan^p³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 140

11/2

Just 1lb above his last winning mark but faces no easy task on these terms even though the trip and ground should suit. (Gets on equally as well with today's rider as he does Richard Johnson, who sits out the chases with the Festival looming.)

Form: 12-4345

Regal Flow⁵¹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-9| J: Page Fuller⁽³⁾| T: R H Buckler| OR: 137| CD

16/1

Won this corresponding race last year but has 8lb more on his back to contend with on this occasion - used this as a stepping stone to success in the Midlands National in 2018. Has to make the shortlist once more even though this is a tough ask.

Form: 0-06U05

Lovely Job^p1¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: N D Fehily| T: F O'Brien| OR: 133| C

11/2

Has a course win to his name but the last calendar year has been punctuated with a couple of long absences. Wears cheekpieces for the first time but also attempting to push his stamina further than ever before, so has a bit to prove.

Form: 214-454

Like The Sound^t²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Bannister| T: C J Mann| OR: 132| BF

9/1

Usually consistent but was pulled up latest and has a bit to prove regarding his stamina over this marathon trip. (Stiff test as he races from 1lb higher than his last start even though he failed to complete.)

Form: 2/2621P

Samuel Jackson^p¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: James Best| T: R Mitford-Slade| OR: 132| C

4/1

Won from a 1lb lower mark at Exeter in January and was far from disgraced when fourth in the Devon National back at the same track last month. No stamina queries and likely to go well; should be on the premises granted a clear round.

Form: 35-5314

Unioniste³⁰⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr D Maxwell⁽⁵⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 131| BF

6/1

A consistent sort whose form figures read well. Was turned over at odds of 1/3 in a hunters chase last time out though and his limitations are exposed. Needs a lot to go his way in this stiffer company.

Form: 11017-2

Achille^p²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 130

3/1

Returned in good form this season and has won his last two starts with a little in hand. An 8lb higher mark leaves the gelding needing to post a career best effort though.

Form: 572-211

Pobbles Bay²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 128

8/1

Races from 11lb below his last winning mark so has a reasonable chance at the weights; but been out of form and has plenty to prove after failing to complete on his return from a break. Others appear to hold much stronger claims.

Form: 974P-3U

Forecasts

Achille (3/1), Samuel Jackson (4/1), Rolling Dylan (11/2), Lovely Job (11/2), Unioniste (6/1), Pobbles Bay (8/1), Like The Sound (9/1), Regal Flow (16/1)

An 8lb higher mark makes life tough for REGAL FLOW in his bid to win back-to-back renewals of this race, but the gelding might just be up to the task. He could also head on to Uttoxeter for another crack at the Midlands National after this if all goes to plan for him. Samuel Jackson likes a good test of stamina and is rated as the main danger to the selection. Achille has won his last two starts with something up his sleeve and could also be spoiler if he can raise his game once more.