Clarke Chase (Handicap) (For The Sir Stanley And Lady Clarke Challenge Trophy)

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 5m 8.30s

Sizing Platinum^t¹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 149

16/1

Made most of drop in handicap mark when scoring at Chepstow (2m) last month and was going well enough when falling at Newton Abbot some way out last time. Runs off same mark and has claims if tumble hasn't shaken his confidence.

Form: 25U01-F

Monbeg Legend⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 143| CD

11/4

Winner of 6-12 and only once out of the frame in his career. Lightly raced for his age and was good third in Grade 2 event at Ayr last time aftre near six-month break. Should be spot on now on handicap bow.

Form: 211223-

Pacific De Baune¹⁵⁰

4/1

Landed three-runner novice chase on debut over fences at Warwick in November. Fell next time when odds-on at Doncaster then ran disappointingly when only sixth over hurdles last time out. Returns from wind surgery and more needed on handicap debut.

Form: 712/1U6-

Barton Knoll¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: D A Jacob| T: J Mackie| OR: 133| D

5/2

2-7 over fences and did it well at Haydock last time when winning with something to spare. Raised 8lb but is in fine fettle and connections may well have targeted this race due to family ties.

Form: 1332P-1

Tanarpino^v¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 132| CD

6/1

Won over C&D off 7lb lower mark in March when visored for first time. Not disgarced off 1lb higher on last two runs in decent company but handicapper looks to have his measure for the time being.

Form: 24415-5

Royal Village^p²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: T J O'Brien| T: Ian Williams| OR: 131| D

11/2

Both wins have come at Market Rasen, including valuable prize there in October last year. Shaped pretty well until tiring late on first start for six month at Sandown last month and 2lb drop hels the casue. Shouldn't be far away.

Form: 334136-

Chozen^h³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 120

20/1

2-4 over fences and has generally shown progressive form. Never looked happy at Market Rasen last time and return to this left-handed track may help the cause. Is 3lb out of the handicap though so has to take another step forward to figure.

Form: 66/1U14-

Forecasts

Barton Knoll (5/2), Monbeg Legend (11/4), Pacific De Baune (4/1), Royal Village (11/2), Tanarpino (6/1), Sizing Platinum (16/1), Chozen (20/1)

A decent prize and an intriguing race in store. With the race run in memory of his parents it would not surprise to find out that owner Simon Clarke's BARTON KNOLL has been specially prepared for this contest. He has real hopes of landing the spoils after a good win last time out and should give connections a finerun for their money. Monbeg Legend is a very big danger representing a top team and will prove a formidable adversary, while Royal Village and the top weight Sizing Platinum are others who should be on the premises.