Like Racing TV On Facebook Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 4m 44.6s

Dr Des^b1²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: James Davies| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 127| D

11/4

Given his point-to-point and hurdles exploits (three-time winner) he's been a disappointment as a whole over fences (yet to win over them). Has looked a little better of late and this is an ease in grade with the blinkers going on for the first-time.

Form: 1-35545

Potters Story^p1,t⁸⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 126

14/1

Cheekpieces join the tongue-tie worn last time out when he showed an aptitude for chasing making his debut in that discipline (dual hurdles winner). Well beaten last of three when last seen (working his way back to fitness); progress a possibility.

Form: 2/001-03

Awake At Midnight³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 122| BF

11/4

Backed up a hurdles win with a victory on his chasing debut at Chepstow looking the sort to do better over the fences. Excuses for defeats on his next two starts; poor last time (questions to answer); not sure to be suited going right-handed.

Form: 7-11474

Darcy Ward^t⁷²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Jack Barber| OR: 121| D

9/1

Winner in point-to-points who made a winning hurdles debut at Taunton (2m3f, soft); mixed record since then especially of late (last two runs below-par).Now makes his fencing debut under Rules; chance he'll do better in this sphere.

Form: 162-7P3

Nesterenko²⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 117| D

5/1

Matched his hurdles form off a very lenient chase mark last time under an aggressive ride at Stratford (well backed). Only headed late on there and still nestles on a good mark (raised 4lb) if he can repeat that run; may get an easy lead.

Form: 4P/73-62

Nikki Steel^p¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 113

4/1

Finished off his race better than usual when providing this yard with a much needed winner at Market Rasen on his last start. That win may have proved a little fortunate but he remains unexposed in this sphere; only raised 2lb.

Form: 2/P-2231

King Cnut²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 107

25/1

Winner over fences as a four-year-old showing a greater aptitude for this sphere than most in his age group. Not been the same story since then though with three runs over fences and hurdles all coming in at a below-par rate; more needed.

Form: 9-21U07

Forecasts

Awake At Midnight (11/4), Dr Des (11/4), Nikki Steel (4/1), Nesterenko (5/1), Darcy Ward (9/1), Potters Story (14/1), King Cnut (25/1)

Not that many strong profiles in this and several come here with questions to answer. A chance is taken with NESTERENKO who is still well-weighted on his hurdles form despite the 4lb rise for a game effort from the front last time; he may get another easy lead here. Awake At Midnight has shown his best form going the other way around and needs to prove himself after a dismal last effort. Nikki Steel gained a reward for some consistent efforts last time but doesn’t shape like a real improver and it may be Dr Des and Potters Story who have more to offer. The former is gradually getting his act together over fences while the latter will appreciate a go in handicaps more.