Prince Carlton Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 6m 41.66s

Templehills^h⁵⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Savage⁽⁵⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 125| C

14/1

Resumed with 21f Stratford success before good third of 11 in 19f handicap there next time. Last 2 runs on heavy ground have been disappointing but these conditions may see him in a better light.

Form: P6-13PP

One More Fleurie¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: C J Todd⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 122| D

13/8

Has improved in recent weeks, winning novice handicap chases at Warwick (2½m) and Doncaster (3m). Even a further 10 lb rise may not prevent this thriving sort going in again.

Form: P05611

Smuggler's Blues⁸³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 117| D

5/1

Placed in handicap chases on his last 3 starts. Found 25f on soft ground at Warwick just stretching him last time and this sharper test in his favour. Looks sure to go well again.

Form: 54-5223

Mahlermade³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Alexander Thorne⁽⁵⁾| T: A King| OR: 115

10/1

Fair chaser but only 1 win from 23 starts. Below par in couple of handicaps in the autumn but shaped as if possibly back in better form when 3½ lengths sixth of 15 in jumpers bumper last month.

Form: 634-006

Rumble B¹⁰²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Mrs S J Humphrey| OR: 113

14/1

Likely would have finished second but for a final-fence fall over C&D in November. Not close to his best when a remote fourth at Plumpton in December but freshened up since. Not discounted.

Form: 27-63F4

Defuture Is Bright^p1¹²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Jack Tudor⁽³⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 107| BF

2/1

Landed a gamble when easily opening his account in 2½m handicap chase at Warwick in November. Beaten under a penalty at Southwell a week later but retains potential back from break. Headgear added.

Form: 030-612

Forecasts

One More Fleurie (13/8), Defuture Is Bright (2/1), Smuggler's Blues (5/1), Mahlermade (10/1), Rumble B (14/1), Templehills (14/1)

A case can be made for all of these. ONE MORE FLEURIE is in the form of his life at present and gets the nod to complete a hat-trick. This sharp test at 3m should suit Smuggler's Blues so he's taken to fill the forecast spot ahead of Defuture Is Bright.