John Crabbie Whisky Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:42 | Winning time: 5m 54.1s

Testify²³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 134

9/4

Was successful three times as a novice over fences, including in a Grade 2 contest at Haydock (2m4f). Has been well held since then though in his three starts. He was pulled up last time a Cheltenham (2m4½f) in a Grade 3 race. Needs to bounce back.

Form: 10P/60P-

Jonniesofa⁶⁷²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Craig Nichol| T: R Dobbin| OR: 133| BF| D

6/1

Useful hurdler who broke his maiden over fences at the first attempt at Carlisle (2m). Stepped up in trip at Haydock (2m3f) last time where he was unable to follow up, finishing second of three runners. Set for handicap debut here. Big player.

Form: 121912/

Boagrius^t²⁰⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 128

10/1

Has been successful in two of his last three appearances over fences with victories coming at Taunton (2m) and Leicester (2m). Could only finish fourth of six at this course last time over the extended 2m trip. Up in distance. One to consider.

Form: 3/3U114-

Gold Opera^v¹⁹⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: Danny McMenamin⁽⁵⁾| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 126| C

5/2

Experienced chaser who last won at Newcastle (2m4f) in April 2018. Has been performing over much longer trips than this recently, including when he was fourth of 12 on his latest effort at Perth (3m6½f). A return to this trip will help his chances.

Form: 1/22544-

Sword Of Fate⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: D R Fox| T: L Kerr| OR: 118| D

25/1

A three-time winner over fences but has struggled for form over the last couple of seasons. Returned to action at Kelso (2m1f) last month where he was pulled-up. Needs to produce much more in order to be in the mix.

Form: 63FP-FP

Blakerigg¹⁷⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: R D Day| T: N G Richards| OR: 114| CWS

7/2

Has won at this course over fences over the slightly shorter trip of 2m4½f, while he was second of eight here over that same C&D last time back in May. Has had a wind-op since. One for the shortlist.

Form: P113P-2

Forecasts

Testify (9/4), Gold Opera (5/2), Blakerigg (7/2), Jonniesofa (6/1), Boagrius (10/1), Sword Of Fate (25/1)

JONNIESOFA has already had success over fences and he can add to his tally here on his chase handicap debut where he his returning to action following a lengthy break. Boagrius scored twice over fences last season and he looks like he will appreciate this step up in distance now so expect a big run from him, while Blakerigg has produced some good form at this track and is likely to be in contention following his wind surgery.