Low Cost Vans Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 6m 2.9s

Driftwood Haze¹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Ben Jones⁽⁵⁾| T: P C Dando| OR: 120| C

9/2

Yet to win over fences but lightly-raced in this sphere; not disgraced over a shorter trip here last time (9L behind Some Can Dance). This trip ought to suit better, will handle the conditions and back on her last winning hurdles mark; respected.

Form: 2417-53

Some Can Dance¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Harrison Beswick⁽⁵⁾| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 118

2/1

Improved in form terms to win a couple of 3m1f Carlisle handicap hurdles earlier in the year (wore cheekpieces on the second occasion). Made an encouraging debut in this sphere last time (over slightly shorter); runs off the same mark up in trip.

Form: 6131-02

Adman Sam^p³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Lee Edwards| T: Dave Roberts| OR: 117

15/8

Formerly with Ian Williams he showed improved form last month to open his account in this sphere forging clear to win by 16L in an uncompetitive event. Given an 8lb rise for that comprehensive win he's not been harshly punished; remains in the mix.

Form: 733P21

Game Line^p¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: Jack Tudor⁽⁷⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 100

3/1

Enjoyed himself over the summer/autumn winning three handicap chases (handled testing conditions well at Perth). On a recovery mission here having failed to impress on his return from a break at Taunton (made a bad mistake); capable off this mark.

Form: 113318

Blazing Tom^p³³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: R Patrick⁽³⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 100

10/1

5-14 in point-to-points his form under Rules over hurdles and fences is modest with both attempts in handicaps over the larger obstacles showing very little promise. Well held over 3m at Exeter when last seen; would need to improve to take this.

Form: 2-15390

Forecasts

Adman Sam (15/8), Some Can Dance (2/1), Game Line (3/1), Driftwood Haze (9/2), Blazing Tom (10/1)

The form that Adman Sam on his first start for Dave Roberts was far in advance of anything that he had produced before and although the 16L win looked impressive it did come in a race that rather fell apart. The handicapper wasn’t too harsh in only giving him an 8lb rise but he could find things tougher here and SOME CAN DANCE is preferred. His first run over fences here over a shorter trip 18 days ago when he had Driftwood Haze 9L behind entitles him to maximum respect and this greater test of stamina will suit him better. Game Line should throw his hat in the ring but will have to avoid mistakes to get involved although conditions will suit.