12:35 Fakenham

Wednesday 1 January 2020

All12:0512:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:30

Visit attheraces.com Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase

Off time: 12:37 | Winning time: 8m 9.97s

Silent Steps^b¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 12-1| J: Jack Andrews⁽³⁾| T: N B King| OR: 107

8/1

Was successful at Chepstow (2m7½f) back in October by 10L. Has been unable to follow that up in two starts since. She was seventh of 10 last time at Hereford (3m1f). Can't be discounted.

Form: 4-32177

River Of Intrigue^p²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-1| J: Miss Brodie Hampson| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 107

14/1

His last victory came at Wincanton (3m1f) back in April. Has been below his best this season so far, including on his latest outing at Sandown (3m) where he was pulled up. Is now 3lb lower in the weights but others are preferred.

Form: 24P54P

Clondaw Bisto¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr Zac Baker| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 102

7/2

A bumper winner but has yet to score over obstacles, including six runs over fences. He was third of five on his latest effort at Plumpton (3m1½f). Worth consideration off this latest mark.

Form: 242P5-3

In Arrears¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Mr D Edwards| T: G F Edwards| OR: 100

11/2

Was successful in two hunter chases at Exeter back earlier this year. Has been a long way down the field on her three starts this season. She finished fifth of 10 last time at Hereford (3m1f). Has been eased 4lb which gives her each-way claims.

Form: 3-1P855

Velvet Cognac^b,t⁴⁴

Age: 12| Weight: 11-4| J: Mrs Izzie Hill⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs L Hill| OR: 96

11/4

Scored over hurdles at Fontwell (3m2f) two runs ago. He was fourth of nine in a 3m1f handicap hurdle on his latest start. Is 0-8 over fences but has gone close on a number of occasions. Big player to gain first chase success.

Form: 225414

Truckers Cailin^t¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Aaron Anderson⁽³⁾| T: P Henderson| OR: 85

11/4

Prevailed for the first time over fences at Ffos Las (3m1½f) on her penultimate outing. Could only finish fifth of 10 on her latest run at Hereford (3m1½f). Stepping up in trip. One to consider.

Form: 4-9P215

Hediddodinthe⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-1| J: Mr S Lee⁽⁷⁾| T: P Winks| OR: 79

20/1

Is still a maiden after eight starts over obstacles. His last two appearances have been over fences where he was pulled up on both occasions. Has been eased another 8lb but he needs to take a big stride forward.

Form: 8P07PP

Positive Touch^h1²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: Mark Galligan⁽⁵⁾| T: D L Williams| OR: 65

25/1

Point-to-point winner who has struggled under Rules in four outings. He has been pulled up on both of his two runs this season, with his latest coming in a novice hurdle at Chepstow (2m7½f). Will wear a hood for the first time. Others are preferred.

Form: 9P/1P-PP

Non-Runners

Big Meadow¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 9

T: N B King J: Lily Pinchin

Parsonal¹⁷

Weight: 10-10| Age: 7

T: Mrs S J Humphrey J: William Humphrey

Forecasts

Velvet Cognac (11/4), Truckers Cailin (11/4), Clondaw Bisto (7/2), Big Meadow (9/2), In Arrears (11/2), Silent Steps (8/1), River Of Intrigue (14/1), Parsonal (14/1), Hediddodinthe (20/1), Positive Touch (25/1)

VELVET COGNAC has been running well over hurdles recently and although he is still a maiden over fences, he has shown enough in chasing to suggest his first victory is not far away so should be favoured. Truckers Cailin must be considered on the basis of her victory at Ffos Las two runs ago in this competitive handicap chase, while Clondaw Bisto is now down to a new career low mark which should allow him to be in contention.