bet365 Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:41 | Winning time: 5m 35.70s

The Dubai Way^p³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Bannister| T: C J Mann| OR: 135| D

5/2

Resumed his career in the same way he signed off last season in winning form when scoring at Wetherby (2m3f; soft) last month. Raised 9lb for that victory, but is firmly on the up. Definite shortlist material.

Form: 45271-1

Geronimo²⁵²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 132

11/1

Unexposed for an eight-year-old after just the nine starts under rules. Enjoyed a productive first season over fences last year, winning twice. May have lacked experience when pulled-up in the Scottish National. Has to enter calculations.

Form: 2/3121P-

Ascot De Bruyere^b⁶⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Danny McMenamin⁽⁵⁾| T: J Ewart| OR: 132| CD

8/1

Three-time C&D winner whose reappearance third at Wetherby (2m3f; good to soft) was franked by the winner who went onto score again. 10lb above last winning mark though, and yard haven't had a winner for 55 days (20 runners in that time).

Form: 76112-3

River Frost³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Alain Cawley| T: B Haslam| OR: 131| D

8/1

Returned to form the last twice, and narrowly failed to follow-up win at Ayr (2m4f; heavy) when runner-up to Buster Valentine at Market Rasen (2m5f; soft) last time out in this grade. Up 4lb but is in a good place at the moment so has claims.

Form: 0-64412

Dustin Des Mottes²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Henry Brooke| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 130

9/2

Surprising that top yard are still to get a win out of him, given how they excel with such types. Has been dropped slightly in class since returning to action this season, but is yet to take advantage. Still looks to be on a stiff enough mark.

Form: 3266-56

Glittering Love²⁸⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 125| D

7/2

Notched a four-timer when returned to rules last season. Returns to action off an 11lb higher mark, and this is a slight step up in class. Goes well fresh and trainer/jockey combo are in form so is a major player.

Form: 14/1111-

Well Above Par⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Thomas Willmott⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 121| D

9/2

Bounced back from disappointing Perth (3m; heavy) effort when cruising clear of his rivals at Kelso (2m5f; heavy) last time to score by seven length. Up 9lb and is subsequently on a career-high mark but can't be ruled out.

Form: 2745-P1

Forecasts

The Dubai Way (5/2), Glittering Love (7/2), Dustin Des Mottes (9/2), Well Above Par (9/2), River Frost (8/1), Ascot De Bruyere (8/1), Geronimo (11/1)

After returning to form of late, River Frost could snatch a place after running admirably in defeat in this class most recently. Geronimo is likely to be on the scene after a successful first season over fences, but is more of a place contender on his seasonal return against race-fit horses. Top-weight The Dubai Way had the form of his most recent success franked by the runner-up lately, and should make a bold-bid to notch a hat-trick. However, GLITTERING LOVE still holds a 100% record over fences (4-4). He went from strength to strength last season and this lightly raced seven-year-old who goes well fresh can post a career-best to win this.