Matchbook Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 6m 22.50s

Townshend^t²⁷¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Jamie Neild⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 136

20/1

Won on similarly testing ground in his younger days with Willie Mullins although arguably better on a sounder surface as he showed when winning at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) to end last season. Not certain he stays 3m either.

Form: 642641-

Graceful Legend^b³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Charlie Case⁽⁷⁾| T: B I Case| OR: 134| C| D

5/1

Impressive winner of a heavy ground 3m handicap at Bangor before unseating behind National second Magic Of Light when still going well at Newbury. Jumping can be questionable but go well with a clear round.

Form: 316-71U

Dawson City⁴¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Miss Chloe Emsley⁽⁷⁾| T: P Gundry| OR: 132| D

6/1

Un-prolific chaser but win last season's Devon National over 3m6f at Exeter. Well held in two starts this term although one was over Cross Country fences and the other over 4m1f. This may not be enough of a stamina test.

Form: 7154-75

Get On The Yager^p,t⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Tristan Durrell⁽⁷⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 130| D

5/1

Not won since 2017 although only raced four times in last two seasons. Pulled-up behind a big improver first-time out at Cheltenham so great deal more needed here. Stays 4m and appreciates heavy ground.

Form: P/693-PV

Barbrook Star^p¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Doggrell⁽⁷⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 124

11/2

Winner at Warwick over 3m1½f well held since in third at Sandown and fourth at Exeter. More needed here then and on heavy ground for the first time although may remain progressive.

Form: 17-6134

Nearly Perfect¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Andrews⁽³⁾| T: N B King| OR: 122

5/4

Second in lone point-to-point to Envoi Allen and after progressing over hurdles he got his first Rules win in his second chase start at Wincanton (3m1f, soft). Out of novice company here but the one runner who could be well handicapped.

Form: 7832-41

Forecasts

Nearly Perfect (5/4), Graceful Legend (5/1), Get On The Yager (5/1), Barbrook Star (11/2), Dawson City (6/1), Townshend (20/1)

In a race where his older, more experienced rivals have all got a bit to prove the novice NEARLY PERFECT gets the nod for Neil King. He won well at Wincanton and looked a sound enough jumper from the front. The mare Graceful Legend won well in similar conditions at Bangor before unseating last time out marking her out as the biggest danger to the selection. Barbrook Star could yet have more to give given his relative youth.