SPM Scotland Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 5m 11.4s

Amalfi Doug¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 117| BF| CD

11/10

In tremendous form, not out of the first two in his last five starts and clearly likes this track (two wins here in the spring). Trip ideal although deep ground might not be his preferred surface, and under a big weight, is no good thing.

Form: 31-1122

Supreme Steel^b³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 112| BF

10/3

Looking very well treated these days and won't mind the ground, but two awful efforts since coming back from a long break (made favourite both times) temper any enthusiasm for him. Needs to bounce back to best, and that looks unlikely.

Form: 1256/67

John Mor^h,t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: R Johnson| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 104

3/1

Faller here in June (early in the race, but was in front) and turned in a good effort when runner-up in a maiden hurdle here last time. Made for fences, so no surprise if he improves, although yet to race on ground this deep.

Form: 63/F942

Thepensionfund¹⁷³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-4| J: S Mulqueen⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 95

8/1

Next to nothing to shout about in his form of last year and hasn't been seen out since finishing well beaten at Ayr in February. Bred to do better over fences, but until showing a bit more, is best watched.

Form: 3/45PP8-

Ripstick³⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Danny McMenamin⁽⁵⁾| T: J Walton| OR: 77| D

20/1

Very little to shout about in his Rules form to date (has won a couple of small point-to-points in his time) and hasn't been seen out for over a year now. Minor money the best he can probably hope for.

Form: 9/2P470-

Forecasts

Amalfi Doug (11/10), John Mor (3/1), Supreme Steel (10/3), Thepensionfund (8/1), Ripstick (20/1)

Amalfi Doug is the one to beat on form, but he's going to have to hump a big weight around on ground that might be a little deeper than ideal for him, and he could be vulnerable. Thepensionfund and JOHN MOR are the unknown factors here, and the latter is very interesting as he looks sure to do better over fences and the booking of Richard Johnson (who has a 23% strike rate when riding for them) needs taking note of. Supreme Steel has been well backed a couple of times this season but his finishing effort has left plenty to be desired, and he's a risky proposition at present.