Shoreham Port Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 6m 58.00s

West Wizard^t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 12-3| J: Adrian Heskin| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 107

4/1

Finally broke a long losing streak when winning at Market Rasen last September off a much-reduced mark. Since then he's reverted to type (inconsistent); failed to show much last time at Cartmel (never really got competitive).

Form: 1U27P-4

Our Reward^p¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-3| J: Ben Hicks⁽¹⁰⁾| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 107| CD

2/1

First-time cheekpieces, a return from a break and the addition of a decent 10lb claimer all helped him to resume winning ways over hurdles here (3m2f) here last time. 0-8 over fences but clearly well treated if he can replicate that last run.

Form: 41325-1

Riddlestown^b²¹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-10| J: Bryony Frost| T: C Fryer| OR: 100| D

17/2

Another inconsistent type although he has won his share of races (9-57 over fences); took advantage of a drop in the weights and first-time visor to score at Plumpton (made all). Same headgear/tactics failed to work last time at Warwick.

Form: 424P-17

Mickieblueeyes^t¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J E Moore| T: Mrs D Grissell| OR: 100

20/1

Hard to argue that he won't have come on for his recent return over hurdles although his one chase run is hardly packed with encouragement (reported to have bled). Has won over hurdles albeit off a 5lb lower mark; possible improver.

Form: 941/9P-5

Bermeo^p,t³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Tom Cannon| T: J Farrelly| OR: 96| CD

5/1

Far from an easy ride but does find plenty for pressure and completed a fencing hat-trick late last year over staying trips (one over C&D). Shaped well when returning over hurdles off the back of a break last time (trip far too short); strong claims.

Form: 112FP-3

Findusatgorcombe^t⁷⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: J D Frost| OR: 92| CD

4/1

Has a 1122 record around here proving a consistent sort for the most part over fences; last win came at Wincanton in March (8lb lower mark). Gave notice in his last run that this mark may not be beyond him; returns from a break, may just need this.

Form: 224212-

Velvet Cognac^b,t¹⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: David Bass| T: Mrs L Hill| OR: 90

7/1

3-17 in the pointing sphere (has refused to race once) he's yet to break his maiden under Rules (0-12). This will be his first Rules run since 2017 but despite being given a chance by the handicapper he only makes limited appeal.

Form: 53U-2R2

Forecasts

Our Reward (2/1), West Wizard (4/1), Findusatgorcombe (4/1), Bermeo (5/1), Velvet Cognac (7/1), Riddlestown (17/2), Mickieblueeyes (20/1)

A few inconsistent types in this and the amount of headgear being worn by the protagonists probably offers a warning to backers. There’s no denying that Our Reward is well handicapped on his hurdles form here last time and if he can repeat that run he would have a leading chance back over fences. Findusatgorcombe has a good record around here and enters the equation although this outing might just be needed, he’s never been at his best fresh. West Wizard and Riddlestown both have quirks and this looks best left to BERMEO who arrives on the back of an excellent hurdles run over a trip that was too short. He can take time to warm up but finds for pressure with a thorough test suiting him well.