Sky Sports Racing Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 5m 48.22s

Encore Champs¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 125

5/2

Good second to the useful Nube Negra here on chase debut in October but well below that at Newcastle last time, the soft ground possibly to blame; goes up in trip today, which asks a new question of him too.

Form: 7178-26

Its'afreebee^t³²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: R Spencer| OR: 123| CD

16/1

Very useful at his peak for Dan Skelton but only seen out the once in the last 12 months, that when a solid second at Doncaster (over hurdles) back in January. Can go well fresh though, and chances if the rain stays off.

Form: P0557/2-

Volt Face^h,t²²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: T J O'Brien| T: P R Webber| OR: 117

8/1

Often placed but just two wins in 28 starts, not seen out since finishing second at Uttoxeter in the spring and likely to need the run. This mark may be beyond him and any further rain a negative too.

Form: 22425-2

Kilbrew Boy¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Kielan Woods| T: B I Case| OR: 117| C

15/8

Bounced back to form to score at Wincanton earlier in the month, jumping well and he does have a course win to his name here as well; up 5lb for that but this is winnable, so solid chance of following up if in the same frame of mind.

Form: 4536-31

Nobel Leader²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Benjamin Poste| T: H J Evans| OR: 114

10/1

Won twice last winter, quite easily on both occasions, and has form here as well, which is a good sign; weakened late on reappearance at Huntingdon last month, so should be fitter, and must have a chance in a race that won't take much winning.

Form: 1/8112-5

Thomas Todd^h⁴⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: R D Day| T: Laura Morgan| OR: 113| CD

7/2

Likes it here, a win and a second to his name from two starts, and made all to score here on latest start; short break since then probably ideal, as he tends to go well fresh, and this new higher handicap mark probably within his compass.

Form: 6123P-1

Non-Runners

Eureu Du Boulay²¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 5

T: R Hobson J: Harrison Beswick

Forecasts

Kilbrew Boy (15/8), Encore Champs (5/2), Thomas Todd (7/2), Eureu Du Boulay (7/1), Volt Face (8/1), Nobel Leader (10/1), Its'afreebee (16/1)

All seven have some hope in an open race. KILBREW BOY came right back to form with a ready win at Wincanton and with conditions ideal again, there seems no reason he can't follow up before the handicapper gets a hold on him. Thomas Todd might be the biggest danger, given his track form and the fact he's had a little break, which for him is a good thing as he goes well fresh. Encore Champs would have a great chance on his form here in October and has a ready excuse for a lesser effort last time. Its'afreebie has hope if it stays dry.