Racing Partnership Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:22 | Winning time: 4m 6.00s

Alexander The Grey^t²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 102

9/2

Still winless after 21 attempts but looked on his way to victory when falling at the last at Stratford in September. Two starts back since break with mixed results and needs to raise his game to score under top weight.

Form: 623F-27

Dark Invader⁸³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 99| D

2/1

Returns following 12-week break and usually needs a run or two to find top form. 7lb lower than win at Wincanton in October so well handicapped if he is ready to roll.

Form: 543585-

No No Cardinal^p⁵⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Fergus Gillard⁽⁷⁾| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 88| CD

5/1

Won two low-grade handicap chases in pleasing fashion this spring prior to 50-day break. 7lb higher than last success but is previous C&D winner and should be competitive in his bid for a hat-trick.

Form: P7421-1

Polo The Mumm^b,t⁸⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: Jamie Bargary| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 87| BF| C

7/2

Lacks to bowl along upfront and made all to score at Taunton penultimate start off 4lb lower mark in April. Beaten odds-on last time but may be better for his 80-day break and a bold show in not ruled out.

Form: 147312-

Auld Sod²³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: Sean Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: J M Bradley| OR: 86

3/1

14-race maiden who has had his chances of late but as usual fails to find very much at all under pressure. Dropped 4lb following latest fourth over further at Ffos Las but doesn't look one to rely on.

Form: 67-54F4

Opera Buffa^t⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: James Best| T: L Hurley| OR: 61

33/1

15lb out of the handicaps says just about all. 30-race maiden who has been well beaten all starts this season and appears a most unlikely winner.

Form: P98-569

Non-Runners

Golander⁴⁷

Weight: 10-0| Age: 9

T: J D Frost J: Bryony Frost

Forecasts

Dark Invader (2/1), Auld Sod (3/1), Polo The Mumm (7/2), Alexander The Grey (9/2), No No Cardinal (5/1), Golander (10/1), Opera Buffa (33/1)

There are big question marks over most of these so NO NO CARDINAL is selected to continue the rival he showed prior to his recent break. Despite a rise in the weights he should be very competitive. Alexander The Grey has the ability to win but keeps finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, while Polo The Mumm may not be far away if in the mood. Although he usually takes a run or two to hit top gear, with so may doubts about his rivals Dark Invader may go close despite his recent absence.