Like Racing TV On Facebook Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 4m 18.20s

Ubaltique^b,t⁴⁰

Age: 12| Weight: 11-11| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 114| D

9/2

Veteran who typically has fine form on testing ground; has put up some creditable performances of late (both at Haydock); has dropped a few pounds in the weights and this looks a fair chance to get back to winning ways.

Form: 55-1535

Celtic Flames^p³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 109| C| D

6/4

Two fair efforts over hurdles following a long break were backed up with a useful effort over fences last time at Kelso in January; would not have to improve too much on that effort to be a leading contender.

Form: 541-353

King's Wharf¹¹⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-5| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 108| DWS

9/4

Tough, versatile and consistent chaser; without a win since 2017 and this could be tough after a long break; held by Ubaltique on their run at Kelso in November and unlikely to turn the tables.

Form: 4-P4224

Sword Of Fate³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Coltherd⁽³⁾| T: L Kerr| OR: 103| D

4/1

Won twice in quick succession over fences for Tom Lacey (2m3½f-2m5f) during the summer of 2018; has fallen steadily in the weights since joining Leonard Kerr (some 20lb or so); very hard to fancy off in current form.

Form: FPP74P

Forecasts

Celtic Flames (6/4), King's Wharf (9/4), Sword Of Fate (4/1), Ubaltique (9/2)

UBALTIQUE has been given a little bit of a breather by the handicapper and this looks a good opportunity for him to get back to winning ways. The veteran has two decent efforts at Haydock recently to show he still has the enthusiasm for the game and if running up to that level, he may prove hard to beat. Celtic Flames is generally a reliable sort and has been eased back into chases following a long absence. He would not have to improve too much on his latest effort at Kelso to have a fair chance here. King's Wharf is a consistent enough finisher to take advantage of any lapses from the two likely market leaders.