racingstaffweek Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:21 | Winning time: 6m 32.10s

River Of Intrigue^p⁵²

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Miss Brodie Hampson⁽⁵⁾| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 117| D

7/2

In good form since coming to this yard from Fergal O'Brien narrowly touched off at Ffos Las last time sticking to the task well to finish runner-up. Already scored for the yard at Wincanton, up 3lb for last time but sure to run his race.

Form: 1P521-2

Marble Moon¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 115| C| D

11/4

Hardly the most consistent his Ludlow win in May sticking out like a beacon in his recent form figures; remains 8lb higher for that victory. Not disgraced over hurdles last time (course winner here in the same sphere); others just more reliable.

Form: 847-1U6

Little Windmill^p,t³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Bryony Frost| T: N B King| OR: 115| CD

4/1

Unreliable sort who generally sets the pace; clearly on a going day last time when finishing second at Worcester (showed a better attitude than usual). Not sure of the same performance this time; remains vulnerable off this mark.

Form: PP22-P2

Lord In Red^p³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: James Bowen| T: Christian Williams| OR: 112

3/1

Produced some improved/winning form from out of the blue at Huntingdon in May (weak race/liked the increased trip); forging clear to win 11L. Ran creditably (first-time cheekpieces) back over hurdles last time, can hit the odd fence.

Form: 5P5-P12

One More Tune^p,t²³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 104| C| D

16/1

Produced a win on his debut for this yard after a dismal time in points which proved how weak the race was that he won at Fontwell. Failed to follow up off the same mark over hurdles; this is harder back over fences, limited appeal.

Form: PPF-P1P

Findusatgorcombe^t²³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: W T Kennedy| T: J D Frost| OR: 92| D

7/1

Has a verdict over River Of Intrigue to his name (helped by the pace scenario) at Fontwell in March; has run well twice since (may have needed the outing last time). Mark may not be beyond him but the quicker ground might just be.

Form: 24212-4

Forecasts

Marble Moon (11/4), Lord In Red (3/1), River Of Intrigue (7/2), Little Windmill (4/1), Findusatgorcombe (7/1), One More Tune (16/1)

It’s a case of which side of the stable one or two of these will have got out of with Little Windmill having either been pulled up or finished second in his last nine starts; that gives you an idea of what you are dealing with. Marble Moon and One More Tune could be put in a similar category although the former of that duo has more ability based on his Ludlow chase win a few starts ago. Christian Williams won this last year and his Lord In Red gives him another shot at the prize although his jumping prowess could be put to the test here and he can also jump to the right. Given all those foibles RIVER OF INTRIGUE is the safest option after his battling second to a progressive sort last time.