Verzon House Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 6m 2.70s

Sutter's Mill²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Mitchell Bastyan⁽⁵⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 101

7/1

Not the most reliable of sorts although this is his level having won off a 5lb lower mark in this grade at Fontwell in October overcoming a less than convincing round of jumping. Two sound enough efforts since; danger this trip is on the short side.

Form: P2-P133

The Brothers²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Stan Sheppard⁽³⁾| T: R Walford| OR: 100

15/8

No joy over hurdles (0-13) when trained by Colin Tizzard although he did flash some ability on a few occasions. Sent chasing for his new yard he's taken a step back in the right direction although he does look as though a stamina test is needed.

Form: 5569-44

Shininstar⁵⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Miss L Brooke⁽⁷⁾| T: J Groucott| OR: 91

7/1

Three wins in his last five starts is no mean feat at this level even though the form of his latest win looks rather flimsy. The worry is though that this trip in the prevailing conditions may test his stamina to the limit and others could outstay hi

Form: 31471-1

Bennys Girl³⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 10-2| J: Shane Quinlan⁽⁵⁾| T: D L Williams| OR: 76| CD

8/1

C&D winner that victory kicking off a handicap hat-trick in early 2018, she has failed to hit the same highs since with her recent efforts below-par (10lb out of the handicap last time). Needs to find her form; does at least race off her proper mark.

Form: 37PP-44

Blue Monday²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 74| BF

5/4

Well supported last time out at Ludlow but did too much in front in a now discarded headgear combination. Finished tired last time over 3m so this trip may suit better, money last time suggests he's better than shown, from a stable in cracking form.

Form: P/205-74

Non-Runners

Beni Light²⁷

Weight: 11-11| Age: 8

T: D A Rees J: Non Runner

Russian Service¹⁴

Weight: 11-10| Age: 7

T: S Drinkwater J: Jack Tudor

Forecasts

Blue Monday (5/4), The Brothers (15/8), Beni Light (9/2), Shininstar (7/1), Sutter's Mill (7/1), Bennys Girl (8/1), Russian Service (10/1)

It's not hard to have doubts about all of this field in one way or another but there are a few that warrants some attention not least BLUE MONDAY from the Fergal O’Brien yard that can do little wrong this season. The support he received last time hinting that he’s capable of better off this most basement of marks. The Brothers can’t be far away from making a real impression over fences although a longer trip would be preferable as it would be for Sutter’s Mill. Beni Light can’t be totally dismissed if he’s forgiven his run last time having been a consistent sort prior to that but Shininstar may find this too much of a test away from his beloved Ludlow.