New Plumpton History Book Available Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 14:41 | Winning time: 7m 7.58s

Over To Sam⁸⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: S Bowen| T: H Fry| OR: 132

5/2

Looks to have ability but has seemingly been incredibly hard to keep sound. Now has something to prove again after not being seen since October when pulled-up at Aintree (3m1f; soft). Very unexposed/lightly raced so isn't completely written off.

Form: 113/3P

Virginia Chick²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Isabel Williams⁽⁷⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 132

7/2

Unexposed over fences (only had the four chase starts), and this is much easier than the Welsh National he ran in last time out. Made a disappointing handicap debut the time before that though, and mark looks stiff enough for what he has achieved.

Form: 10-5170

Christmas In April^p¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 129| C| D

4/5

Holds the most likeable profile, and doesn't have any questions to answer unlike his three other rivals. Posted a career-best when winning the Sussex National at this track over 3m4f just 15 days ago. Should make bold bid to complete the hat-trick.

Form: 053-211

Positive Touch^h⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-3| J: Mark Galligan⁽⁷⁾| T: D L Williams| OR: 65

100/1

Desperately out of form the last twice finishing tailed off on each occasion, after being pulled-up twice prior to that. Handicapper has dropped him 14lb after his most recent effort, but he is impossible to fancy against these rivals.

Form: 1P-PP65

Forecasts

Christmas In April (4/5), Over To Sam (5/2), Virginia Chick (7/2), Positive Touch (100/1)

Despite the 7lb rise he has been hit with for achieving a career-best when winning the Sussex National at this track recently, this looks wholly less competitive than that race which gives CHRISTMAS IN APRIL an outstanding chance of completing the hat-trick. Over To Sam is incredibly lightly raced for a nine-year-old (only had the four career starts under rules), but he is back on a retrieval mission after running well below-par at Aintree when pulled-up on his seasonal reappearance. Virginia Chick has only had the four runs over fences, but has been disappointing since opening his account over obstacles at the second attempt earlier in the season.