Thatchers Cider Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 8.62s

Pointed And Sharp^t²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 117| D

3/1

Like many by his sire, he's not 100% reliable, but he's won with a bit in hand on his last two starts, seeming to benefit from a tongue tie. Idled in front at Fontwell last time, and a 5lb rise is fair.

Form: 32P211

Malangen^b,t³³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 120

7/1

Fairly solid over fences during the late summer/early autumn, yet is rising steadily in the weights as a result. Bit unlucky when finishing a close second to Royal Plaza at Worcester last time, and place claims once more.

Form: 6221F2

Way Out West^h⁷^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: James Best| T: R Walford| OR: 104| D

5/4

Came in for support prior to his debut for this yard at Worcester last month, but was too keen. Made amends when successful by a wide margin at Fontwell last week, and has obvious claims under a penalty.

Form: 2647-31

Mead Vale³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: David Noonan| T: N J Hawke| OR: 108| CD

11/1

Won over C&D last November, and ran to a consistent level later in the season. Not disgraced on return in May, but has run badly in three subsequent starts.

Form: 32-67BF

Mr Dorrell Sage¹⁵⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: L P Aspell| T: O Sherwood| OR: 107

17/2

Has been plagued by breathing problems, and weak finishes since second published wind surgery under a year ago suggest that his problems are not behind. Making chase debut here.

Form: 8675-46

Mouseinthehouse²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 106

10/1

Has shown ability over hurdles, but well beaten on handicap bow, and unseated at half-way last time. That's not the ideal note on which to go chasing.

Form: U46-5U

Templier¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Dave Crosse| T: Mrs K Stephens| OR: 93| D

28/1

Rather lost his way with Gary Moore and hasn't looked on the way back in two starts for his current yard. Switched back to fences with plenty to prove.

Form: F/453-60

Forecasts

Way Out West (5/4), Pointed And Sharp (3/1), Malangen (7/1), Mr Dorrell Sage (17/2), Mouseinthehouse (10/1), Mead Vale (11/1), Templier (28/1)

WAY OUT WEST was a facile 23L winner last week, and has a great opportunity to follow up under a penalty, so is hard to ignore. Pointed And Sharp wasn't one to trust over hurdles, but appears a reformed character of late, and is respected in his hat-trick bid, and is the main danger, ahead of Malangen.