Smith & Williamson Financial Services Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:16 | Winning time: 6m 44.3s

River Of Intrigue^p¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 12-2| J: Miss Brodie Hampson⁽³⁾| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 111| CD

11/1

In good heart last spring including a win and a narrow defeat over C&D. Disappointing both runs this autumn though but down in grade now if able to bounce back.

Form: 21-24P5

Pink Gin^t²³²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: M D Grant| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 107| BF| CD

5/1

Not the easiest to catch right but sole win last season was over C&D though below that both runs after. Returns here from a break but ran well first time out last year so capable if on song.

Form: 5/46144-

Crossley Tender¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Nick Scholfield| T: P Henderson| OR: 105

13/8

Best run over hurdles was at this venue and although he didn't get very far on chase debut, it was a different story at Plumpton recently when scoring with bit in hand. That was a weak contest but likely there is more to come with youth on his side.

Form: 4258-U1

Out For Justice^t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Katy Price| OR: 104

8/1

Won at Fontwell and Bangor on similar ground in the summer but bit to prove having failed to run up to that form since although soft ground on Wetherby comeback wouldn't have been in his favour.

Form: 7-116P6

Bertie Boru^p³⁵

Age: 12| Weight: 11-5| J: M G Nolan| T: C J Gray| OR: 100| C

20/1

One time fair handicapper when with Phillip Hobbs but long losing run building up and regressing quickly for current stable with little to encourage from recent run here.

Form: 74P-468

Legend Of Zorro^t²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Bryony Frost| T: J D Frost| OR: 94

7/2

Second in a small field hurdle here a year ago but has been beaten miles on three goes over fences and needs to improve a good deal for this step up in trip.

Form: P295-04

Packettotherafters^p,t⁷²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: G Hanmer| OR: 93| BF

6/1

Does seem to reserve best form for Bangor (both wins there) but has shown bits of from away from there and with stamina assured, no surprise if he plays a part in a weak contest.

Form: P541-36

Forecasts

Crossley Tender (13/8), Legend Of Zorro (7/2), Pink Gin (5/1), Packettotherafters (6/1), Out For Justice (8/1), River Of Intrigue (11/1), Bertie Boru (20/1)

A few of these have something to prove at present but that isn't the case with CROSSLEY TENDER who showed improved form to win on just his second attempt over the larger obstacles and this isn't much stronger. Pink Gin is capable on a going day and could provide the main danger with bottom weight Packettotherafters completing the short list.