Betway Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:05 | Winning time: 4m 30.5s

Witness In Court^t¹⁶

Age: 12| Weight: 12-4| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 116| BF

7/2

Arguably did not stay when falling when out of contention last time out at Perth having previously won over 2m. A reproduction of that form would see him going close in this contest.

Form: 4/2-161F

Real Warrior²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Adam Wedge| T: C T Pogson| OR: 110

9/2

Had some useful chase form a couple of years back but has lost his way since then. Reasonable effort last time out at Southwell. Chance on the best of his form but hard to assess at present.

Form: P3/2PP-5

Spiritual Man⁶⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.⁽³⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 101

15/2

Not beaten far in reappearance run over hurdles at Ludlow coming back from a 500+ days absence. Difficult to make a case for but market support would be significant though stable is in the doldrums at present.

Form: 6704P/0

Little Stevie⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: R Johnson| T: Mrs Stella Barclay| OR: 99

6/4

Has finished second on his last two chase appearances and may have to settle for minor honours again given his weakness in a finish and his awkward jumping style.

Form: 127U52

Malangen^p,t¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 112| D

3/1

Fairly consistent handicap hurdler who has just had the one chase outing when well beaten at Newton Abbot last time out. Did not jump particularly well that day and if he is better then he has a chance based on his fair hurdle form.

Form: 111-536

Forecasts

Little Stevie (6/4), Malangen (3/1), Witness In Court (7/2), Real Warrior (9/2), Spiritual Man (15/2)

If WITNESS IN COURT can put a last fence fall last time out behind him then he has every chance in a contest with question marks against all his rivals. He will certainly relish this step down in trip and looks the one to beat. Malangen should be sharper on his second start over fences and if he can translate his hurdle form to the larger objects he should run well. Little Stevie has shown consistent form over fences and could take advantage if his rivals fail to run their races.