Ann Esp Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 13.1s

Hatcher²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 135| D

11/4

Useful hurdler, ran up a four-timer in 2018 before switching to fences winning a couple of small-field novice events earlier this year. Did too much in a top-class Ascot handicap last time (found little); still has time to make his mark in handicaps.

Form: 1911-45

Master Work³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 134| D

11/2

Heavy ground and some harsh treatment from the handicapper were the reasons behind his pulled up effort at Cheltenham last time. Previously produced some useful hurdles/chase form but does have to prove himself off this mark; eased in class.

Form: 3325-1P

Capital Force^p,t³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Patrick Cowley⁽⁵⁾| T: M Keighley| OR: 129| CD

10/1

C&D winner in May (beat Valseur De Granval/Hatcher) proving well suited by the strong pace although that race did rather fall apart. 3lb higher now and with a tune-up over hurdles under his belt he could once again be effective over this C&D.

Form: 143339

Court Royale³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 127| CD

5/2

Effective around here over hurdles at this distance he ran his best race over fences over C&D last time travelling well throughout, run out of things from the last. Has a little work to do off this mark but should get a race run to suit; shortlisted.

Form: 41-5322

Red Mix^h²³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 125

10/3

Chase winner in France (1-8) his one GB chase outing came on his stable debut (let down by his jumping in a demanding race). Mixed record over hurdles since then; failed to justify support when last seen; questions to answer back chasing.

Form: 3P24F6-

Valseur Du Granval^p,t³²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: T R George| OR: 123| CD

12/1

C&D winner earlier in the year when following up a good second to Capital Force he's now 6lb higher now. Would have needed the run over hurdles last time returning to action off a lower mark; goes well around here over fences (1212).

Form: 321-2P7

Well Said^h,t¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 109| D

33/1

Caused a big surprise in the summer of 2018 when landing a Worcester 2m novice hurdle at 50-1 on his third start over timber. Only seen twice since and made little impression over on chase debut last time without his usual hood; work to do.

Form: 3961P-9

Forecasts

Court Royale (5/2), Hatcher (11/4), Red Mix (10/3), Master Work (11/2), Capital Force (10/1), Valseur Du Granval (12/1), Well Said (33/1)

They are likely to go a good pace here with Hatcher and Red Mix setting the pace with the former of that pair sure to appreciate the ease in grade having been highly tried at Ascot last time finding it hard to dominate a double-figure field. He may be able to get away from them here but he’ll have some useful types strong travelling types tracking him in Capital Force who has picked him off once before round here and COURT ROYALE who would have gone close in a decent novice handicap over C&D last month could well take advantage this time if he jumps a little more fluently in the closing stages. Valseur du Granval has work to do off this mark but his course record means he must be respected.