Old Tannery Whisky Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:11 | Winning time: 4m 3.80s

Mcgroarty^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 145| D

15/8

In good form winning two of his last four over fences and an overall 4-9 record. Stayed on strongly to win in a fast time over this trip at Uttoxeter last time and although up 6lb, that was a career best and one to keep on the right side of.

Form: 33-1451

Demi Sang^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 137| D

5/1

Former inmate of the Willie Mullins yard whose time there ended on a downturn. Took a few runs to get going for new yard but rejuvenated the last twice with a Cartmel win and a good effort in a valuable race at the same track. Should go well again.

Form: P/6P-314

Capital Force^t³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: R Johnson| T: M Keighley| OR: 130

11/4

Impressive winner at Ludlow and while he was below that at Aintree last time, he's still raised his game over fences in three starts for his new yard. Also declared at Newton Abbot on the same day. Respected if lining up.

Form: 2095-14

Capitoul¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 130| D

7/2

Did well in winning three times over fences last year. Returned from a 313-day absence and wind surgery with two runs over fences and a latest over hurdles that were below par. 4lb below last winning mark so potentially well handicapped.

Form: 4135-54

Dandridge^b1,t¹⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-4| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 123

15/2

Former very smart chaser who isn't capable of that level of form now but his mark reflects that. On a long losing run dating back to January 2016 and below par on latest run over 2m1f here in a weaker contest.

Form: 328-336

Non-Runners

Mercian King²⁸

Weight: 10-0| Age: 8

T: Miss A Murphy J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Mcgroarty (15/8), Capital Force (11/4), Capitoul (7/2), Demi Sang (5/1), Dandridge (15/2), Mercian King (12/1)

MCGROARTY has a fine strike-rate over fences and he remains on an upward curve following a strong win last time. His stablemate Capitoul is out of form but on an attractive mark so market support would be interesting. Demi Sang rates the main danger and is also very much on the rise for his new stable. Capital Force has two engagements to choose from and is another who seems to be improving over the larger obstacles.