Weatherbys Hamilton Beginners' Chase

Off time: 15:51 | Winning time: 5m 33.85s

Canton Prince²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: R Johnson| T: Tim Vaughan| D

7/2

Useful hurdler (three-time winner) whose been fairly lightly-raced since gaining his sole handicap hurdle win at Warwick (2m5f, good) last October. May well have needed the run last time; of interest if he takes to the larger obstacles on debut.

Form: 4/1065-6

No Hassle Hoff²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: D A Jacob| T: D Skelton| OR: 132| BF

4/6

Useful hurdler but he's becoming rather frustrating in this sphere often doing little in a finish (not always fluent over his fences either). Cheekpieces used for the first-time on his latest start now dispensed with; comes with talent and risks.

Form: U92-523

Sonic²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 122

9/4

Likes to go from the front; posted two respectable efforts around here in his chasing starts (one over C&D). Last time third behind two useful sorts (winner won again); might well get the run of this, jumps well, capable of going close (proven here).

Form: 1214-23

Sussex Road^p⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Colm McCormack⁽³⁾| T: A Sadik| OR: 44

100/1

Hopeless task at the weights given his current mark. Plenty of experience around here but that will be of no use as he's outclassed in this.

Form: 544-P44

Non-Runners

Tokaramore²⁴

Weight: 10-13| Age: 7

T: I Jardine J: Ross Chapman

Forecasts

No Hassle Hoff (4/6), Sonic (9/4), Canton Prince (7/2), Tokaramore (10/1), Sussex Road (100/1)

The Dan Skelton contender No Hassle Hoff looks like he’s becoming a hard horse to win with over fences and despite having the advantage at the weights his attitude is coming into question and SONIC whilst not being as good over hurdles may just have the edge. Don McCain’s chaser jumps well and likes to go from the front and if he gets loose around here he could record his first chase victory. Canton Prince needs to prove himself over fences but he’ll be in the mix if he can translate his useful hurdles form to the larger obstacles.