Residential Estates Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 5m 6.90s

Nikki Steel^v¹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 112

5/2

Broke his maiden over fences at Market Rasen (2m1f) back in March. Looked set to build on that last time when leading at Worcester (2m½f) before he veered to the right at the third fence from home, unseating his rider. Up in trip. Leading contender.

Form: 2314-3U

Flemens Story^t²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 110

13/2

Failed to win in six starts over hurdles but ran consistently well. Was second of six runners at Hexham (2m7½f) last time. Expected to be much better as a chaser. One for shortlist.

Form: 43/253-2

Fenlons Court²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: J McGrath| T: J W Mullins| OR: 105

11/2

Experienced hurdler who won at Fontwell (2m5½f) last October. Form since then hasn't been great but was sixth of 12 runners last time out at Warwick (2m5f). Chase debut. One to watch for now.

Form: 15365-6

Court Duty²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: P J Brennan| T: J L Flint| OR: 104| BF| D

5/4

Has had five starts over fences so much more experienced than many of his rivals here. Was a beaten-favourite when second of 13 runners at Worcester (2m4f) last month. Great chance to win over fences here.

Form: 08634-2

Damut I'm Out³²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: Alex Edwards⁽⁵⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 95

11/1

Has won twice in point-to-points but pulled-up on his chase debut under Rules last month at Cheltenham (3m1½f). Needs to bounce back from disappointing last run. Others preferred.

Form: 32P11-P

Forecasts

Court Duty (5/4), Nikki Steel (5/2), Fenlons Court (11/2), Flemens Story (13/2), Damut I'm Out (11/1)

The experience over fences will certainly help COURT DUTY here and he can make up for his second place finish at Worcester last time where he was the beaten-favourite. Nikki Steel will need to avoid a repeat of what happened last time out where he unseated his jockey after veering to the right but he is clearly talented, while Flemens Story should improve for jumping fences so has to be considered.