William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 4m 24.2s

First Flow³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 154

11/10

Useful hurdler who has progressed into a smart chaser, making it 5 wins in last 7 starts when shading tight finish in Ascot handicap on return 5 weeks ago. Another bold showing likely.

Form: 32111-1

Marracudja^t²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-4| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 137| CD

3/1

Recorded a career best to win this race last season. Got a big whack from the handicapper after finishing third in Grade 1 next time but mark has come back down and there were better signs last time.

Form: 30-4673

Some Reign³²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-1| J: C O'Farrell| T: R Dobbin| OR: 134| C

6/1

Improved when opening chase account on return at Hexham and even better form here since, looking set to win when falling last in October and narrowly denied by Joke Dancer latest.

Form: 2/43-1F2

The King Of May²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: B S Hughes| T: B Ellison| OR: 133

5/1

Made light of 18-month absence to win 2 of his 3 starts over fences last season. Creditable second (Marracudja third) in 2m Newbury handicap on reappearance. Remains unexposed as a chaser.

Form: 02/131-2

Eragone^h¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Miss Becky Smith⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 132

25/1

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser in France, winning claiming hurdle on final start there in October. Better than being pulled up in 21f handicap chase on yard debut but still tough to fancy here.

Form: F5-F71P

Non-Runners

Nuts Well⁶³

Weight: 11-12| Age: 9

T: Mrs A Hamilton J: Danny McMenamin

Forecasts

First Flow (11/10), Nuts Well (11/4), Marracudja (3/1), The King Of May (5/1), Some Reign (6/1), Eragone (25/1)

FIRST FLOW has an excellent strike-rate in the last 12 months and is selected to defy the handicapper again. Ann Hamilton has her small team in very good form so Old Roan winner Nuts Well promises to go well despite clear top weight. Marracudja is only 3 lb higher than when taking this 12 months ago so is another who could have a big say.