14:20 Wincanton

Thursday 30 January 2020

All13:1013:4514:2014:5515:2515:5516:30

Unique Financial Planning Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 6m 49.58s

Wandrin Star^t⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 138| C

20/1

Gained a third win over fences when winning over further here in October on his seasonal debut. Not disgraced in Becher Chase at Aintree next time, but looks vulnerable under his big weight.

Form: 1356-18

The Kings Writ²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr Joshua Newman⁽⁷⁾| T: K Woollacott| OR: 137

14/1

Won over much shorter at Exeter last season, and better effort this term when second of 10 to Captain Drake over 3m there last time. Should stay this extra distance, and claims if doing so.

Form: F142-32

Coningsby^p⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: S Bowen| T: T Lacey| OR: 136

14/1

Finally got his act together when winning and Exeter handicap over 3m by 13L last season. Unseated on reappearance but still unexposed at this stage and capable if he can hold his jumping together.

Form: RP31-UV

Pop Rockstar^t³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 135| D

16/1

Impressive at Carlisle on his return, looking set to make mark in better company. Has disappointed since, but travelled well for a long way in the Welsh National, and this represents an easier task.

Form: 2F1-150

Reikers Island⁶⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 132| BF| CD

8/1

Won over C&D last season when looking a horse on the up, but has proved rather disappointing since, albeit faced with some stiff tasks. Still young enough to get back on track, and not dismissed.

Form: 146P-46

Commodore²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 132

25/1

Won both his starts in handicap chases last season, but hiked up a harsh 26lb for doing so, and has finished well held so far this season. Remains 10lb above his last winning mark.

Form: 0/11-50P

Darlac^p¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Adrian Heskin| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 130

10/1

Jumping can let him down, but he had shaped well before tipping up in the Classic Chase at Warwick last time, and cheekpieces he wore there are retained. Claims if avoiding mistakes.

Form: P-2F34F

Worthy Farm^b³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 130| CD

3/1

Lightly raced over fences, and showed improved form in first-time blinkers when landing a C&D handicap on Boxing Day. Full value for that success, and will make a bold bid to double up off 5lb higher.

Form: 017-761

Elan De Balme⁶⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 126

16/1

Has won twice over fences for Francois Nicolle, including a handicap at Craon in August. Runner-up on next two starts, and in with every chance when falling late last time. Market will guide on debut for new connections.

Form: 62122F

One Of Us⁷⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Nick Williams| OR: 120

13/2

Thorough stayer who won a marathon handicap at Exeter in the spring, and also landed the Southern National at Fontwell last time by a neck from Captain Cattistock. Possible he'll find this trip a little sharp round here, but can't be ignored.

Form: 5221-51

Moving In Style³³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-6| J: James Bowen| T: R Walford| OR: 118| D

3/1

Won staying handicap chases at Wetherby and Sedgefield in 2018/19 for Neil Mulholland, and better form in defeat of late, finding only Copperhead too good in the Mandarin Chase at Newbury last month. Remains well treated, and shortlisted.

Form: 413-522

Cyclop^p,t³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: Jack Tudor⁽⁵⁾| T: David Dennis| OR: 110

16/1

Form over fences has been patchy for a while, and although he's managed to string together a couple of solid efforts of late, he is facing stiffer competition here, and is out of the handicap to boot.

Form: U/PP-532

Forecasts

Worthy Farm (3/1), Moving In Style (3/1), One Of Us (13/2), Reikers Island (8/1), Darlac (10/1), The Kings Writ (14/1), Coningsby (14/1), Elan De Balme (16/1), Pop Rockstar (16/1), Cyclop (16/1), Wandrin Star (20/1), Commodore (25/1)

WORTHY FARM was equipped with blinkers when landing a handicap chase over C&D on Boxing Day, and this improving young chaser has not been hammered in going up just 5lb for that win. He has plenty more to offer, and appeals as being well able to double his tally over fences. Moving In Style was better than ever when second in the Mandarin Chase at Newbury, and has been left on the same mark, so is shortlisted, along with Darlac, who represents the same connections as the horse who beat him there.