14:20 Newbury

Friday 22 March 2019

All13:4514:2014:5015:2516:0016:3017:0517:35

Be Wiser Insurance Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 5m 44.03s

Graceful Legend^b³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Max Kendrick⁽⁵⁾| T: B I Case| OR: 127| D

8/1

Back to form when runner-up in the mud at Uttoxeter in January, and ran to a similar level despite finishing last of three behind Kalahari Queen at Wetherby last time. May find a couple too strong again.

Form: 334523

Le Boizelo²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: R Walford| OR: 125

5/1

Placed in handicap company at Exeter either side of New Year, but long way below that level in two subsequent starts, and has questions to answer now.

Form: U-F32P8

Valadom^t,v³⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-11| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: R Hobson| OR: 124WS

6/1

Stays well and wins in his turn, and while he had the run of things when second to Kayf Blanco at Fakenham last time, that still represents a fair effort, and he may have benefited from a breathing operation since that run.

Form: 264352

Carnspindle^p²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Bannister| T: W Greatrex| OR: 124| D

16/1

Won over hurdles at Chepstow last February, but she has been below form in two chase starts this season, losing her place rather tamely at Warwick last time. May do better given that was her first run since November, but hard to be confident.

Form: 3185-44

Valhalla^t³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 122

6/1

Won at Wincanton last February, but unconvincing this term, and pulled up over C&D on penultimate start. Better that the result over 2m last time, but needs to step up considerably.

Form: 35-33P4

Master Burbidge^p²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: R T Dunne| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 121

14/1

Second over hurdles in Jersey in the summer, but off five months subsequently, and below form over hurdles on return. Shaped better back over fences at Kempton last time, but needs to jump better than he did there if he's to figure.

Form: 1-35265

Voie Dans Voie^v³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 118

2/1

Yest to win under Rules, but generally consistent, and at least as good as ever when second of 10 to Orchardstown Cross. Split subsequent winners there, and big chance if running to same level now.

Form: 6-54F32

Calivigny^v²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-9| J: Lucy Alexander| T: N W Alexander| OR: 108

11/1

Came from the clouds when winning for the first time over fences at Carlisle (2m4f, heavy) in December, and followed up at Kelso. Respectable efforts on both starts since, but possible that handicapper has his measure now.

Form: 331134

Non-Runners

Tanit River⁶⁵

Weight: 11-11| Age: 9

T: Tim Vaughan J: R Johnson

Forecasts

Voie Dans Voie (2/1), Le Boizelo (5/1), Valadom (6/1), Valhalla (6/1), Graceful Legend (8/1), Calivigny (11/1), Master Burbidge (14/1), Tanit River (14/1), Carnspindle (16/1)

He's not certain of an easy lead, but VOIE DANS VOIE appeals most with his latest second to Orchardstown Cross franked by the pair he split, and he can shed his maiden status. Valadom has chances if a wind op has had a positive effect with Graceful Legend expected to be there or thereabouts.