Rutherford Diagnostics Supports Love Musgrove Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 12.94s

Snapdragon Fire^p1⁷⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: R Johnson| T: T Lacey| OR: 131| D

5/1

Was smart over hurdles last season where he scored three times. He was denied by just ½L on his chase debut at Southwell (1m7½f), while last time out he finished third of six at Kempton (2m2f). Cheekpieces are on for the first time. Big player.

Form: 2412-23

Envoye Special^h,t¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 127| D

11/4

Scored over hurdles in France. Has performed consistently well over fences without success so far. He was disappointing last time at Kempton (2m4½f) as he was pulled up. Capable of bouncing back from that run over this shorter trip.

Form: 2/262-6P

Our Merlin⁵¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Stan Sheppard⁽³⁾| T: R Walford| OR: 127| CD

9/2

His two appearances so far this season have come over hurdles. He was fourth of eight on his latest outing at Fontwell (2m1½f). Set for his first taste of fences on the track here. Best to watch for now.

Form: 2F92-54

Court Royale²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 125| CD

9/1

A three-time winner over hurdles but he is 0-4 over fences so far. Has finished second twice this season, however, last time he could only come home fourth of five in a class three contest at Ludlow (2m). Leading contender at this level.

Form: 5322F4

Coole Well¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Max Kendrick⁽³⁾| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 125| D

5/1

Has had two outings over fences where he has finished second in three runner contests on both occasions. His latest start came at Haydock over the extended 2m trip. Remains open to improvement so can't be discounted.

Form: 1225-22

Zizaneur⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr D Maxwell⁽³⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 128

6/1

His sole success to date came over hurdles in France. Was pulled up on his return to action at Fontwell in a 2m1½f hurdles contest back in November. This will be his first start over fences. Others are preferred.

Form: 6220-FP

Good Man Jim^p1,t⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 120| D

12/1

Broke his maiden under Rules at Ludlow (2m) in a maiden hurdle back in January. Featured over fences for the first time on his latest start at Wincanton (2m4f) where he was sixth of nine. Dropping down in trip here. Others appeal more.

Form: 10/812-6

Forecasts

Envoye Special (11/4), Our Merlin (9/2), Coole Well (5/1), Snapdragon Fire (5/1), Zizaneur (6/1), Court Royale (9/1), Good Man Jim (12/1)

COURT ROYALE showed a lot of promise on his opening two runs over fences where he has finished second on each occasion. He returns to a class three contest here which gives him a great chance of recording his first chase success. Snapdragon Fire has not fared badly on his two chases appearances so expect him to go close once again, while Envoye Special was pulled up at Kempton last time but he is down in trip here and that should help him finish in the placings.