Peter Todd's Birthday Celebration Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:26 | Winning time: 5m 23.9s

Asockastar^p⁴⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: Shane Quinlan⁽⁵⁾| T: J M Bradley| OR: 137

7/1

Dual Hunter Chase winner for a former yard who produced his best performance for ages to win on stable debut in handicap company last time. A rare jumping winner for this yard he's up 12lb for a 15L victory; still merits some respect; front-runner.

Form: 18P-131

Double Treasure^t²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Max Kendrick⁽⁵⁾| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 135| D

3/1

Despite two wind ops he's still a useful operator over obstacles (4-11 over fences); hinted at a revival last time at Bangor (looks potentially well handicapped). Disappointed on his one previous visit here, would benefit from stronger handling.

Form: P21-854

Demi Sang^p³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 135| C

11/2

Reduced mark plus the application of first-time cheekpieces saw him win easily here over 2m1f earlier in the year (left clear closing stages). Not quite in the same form since although there are excuses for both runs; trip may test in the conditions.

Form: 6P-3144

Viens Chercher^t,v²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 132

11/2

Been in good form for this yard (won two small field handicap chases); disappointed last time though dropping out of contention quickly. Never won off a mark this high; in same headgear combination as last time; questions to answer given last start.

Form: 1-3212P

Dieg Man⁹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: R Johnson| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 132| CD

9/2

Decent winning record for one whose lightly-raced (C&D novice winner last year). Jumping has let him down to a certain extent in two subsequent starts; did shape with some encouragement last time; dangerous off this mark if it all clicks into place.

Form: 96/117-3

Old Salt^t,v1²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-1| J: Henry Brooke| T: Stef Keniry| OR: 110| CD

7/2

In good form this year over fences (3-5) showing his best form over C&D in July (found plenty for pressure from off the pace). Below form last time off 112 (suggestion handicapper is in charge); a return here plus first-time visor give hope of more.

Form: P11-414

Alderbrook Lad²²

Age: 13| Weight: 10-0| J: Miss Becky Smith⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 105| CD

8/1

Four-time C&D winner who made his name around here; now reached the veteran stage though and looks on the downgrade. Found very little spark this year including in three visits to his favourite track; 4lb out of the weights.

Form: 86-3P55

Forecasts

Double Treasure (3/1), Old Salt (7/2), Dieg Man (9/2), Demi Sang (11/2), Viens Chercher (11/2), Asockastar (7/1), Alderbrook Lad (8/1)

Quite a few have claims here although none of them are cast iron and this looks a race where backers are going to have to forgive a few doubts. Double Treasure is very well handicapped on his old form and hinted at a full revival at Bangor last time, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go close here along with Old Salt who looks at his best around here. Asockastar has to be respected given his 15L win last time but the handicapper has dealt with him quite harshly for that romp and the JP McManus duo Demi Sang and DIEG MAN are preferred with preference for the latter who remains with potential over fences if he can tidy up his jumping.