Staffs Construction Handicap Chase

Off time: 19:20 | Winning time: 6m 13.60s

Kilcrea Vale^p⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 130| D

11/2

A third in the Grand Sefton at Aintree earlier in the year promised much but he's failed to build on that including returned to the National fences last time (Topham Chase). Handicapper now gives him a big chance off this mark/down in grade.

Form: 4/35830-

Monbeg Gold^p³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.⁽³⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130| D

9/4

Really has come back to his best since having some wind surgery recording two impressive wins over 3m at Exeter and Southwell. Given a hefty 12lb rise for his last 10L win but has coped with this sort of mark before; leading candidate.

Form: 547/411-

Aunty Ann³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Jordan Nailor⁽⁷⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 126| CD

10/1

Trip (3m2f) looked to test her last time when pulled up at Cheltenham although her earlier form, the Wincanton win especially would give her a sound chance. Has won over C&D; placed off 2lb higher mark in the Badger Ales Trophy; trip to suit better.

Form: 15514P-

Valadom^t,v²⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: R Hobson| OR: 125| CD

5/1

Likeable front-runner although he has had trouble getting his head in front of late; hampered by having a contested lead last time at Perth. Past winner of this race off a 1lb lower mark (2016); could do with an easy lead to show his best.

Form: 352423-

Soupy Soups^p²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 125| C| D

8/1

Course winner (2m4f) when opening his chasing account having had plenty of experience; followed up that run with a thread of consistent performances. His return from five months off was discouraging though; work to do on that performance.

Form: 41322P-

One Forty Seven^v²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 121| BF| CD

4/1

Appears helped by having headgear (visor) applied over fences with a C&D win to his name (improved form) in March off a 5lb lower mark. Failed to repeat that effort last time at Perth (right-handed track didn't help); still has jumping frailties.

Form: 4PP515-

Irish Octave^p²³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-3| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Mrs R Gasson| OR: 107| BF| CD

15/2

Usually runs his race here (dual course winner) and he's been consistent of late scoring at Chepstow (stayed on well). Showed that he could cope with marks like this with a creditable effort at Warwick last time; this looks a little tougher.

Form: F57413-

Forecasts

Monbeg Gold (9/4), One Forty Seven (4/1), Valadom (5/1), Kilcrea Vale (11/2), Irish Octave (15/2), Soupy Soups (8/1), Aunty Ann (10/1)

The wind op that MONBEG GOLD has had appears to have rejuvenated him and after a sighter over C&D straight after that procedure he found the reduced mark to his liking scoring twice in fine style. A 12lb rise for his last effort looks punitive on paper but he’s coped with such marks in the past and is taken to complete the hat-trick. If Valadom could be guaranteed an easy lead he would go close to repeating his 2016 victory in this and he’s respected along with Kilcrea Vale who the handicapper has taken some mercy on. This may be a little out of the normal pay grade of Irish Octave but he appreciates this C&D and will find out any stamina weakness in his opponents.