Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 6m 9.60s

Big Difference⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: N de Boinville| T: B Pauling| OR: 115

11/4

Hurdles winner who has hit the crossbar on 3 of his 4 starts in handicap chases this season. Jumping isn't always sure-footed, but drying ground in his favour and leading claims.

Form: 4P-2262

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What A Moment^b¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-5| J: Fergus Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 114

4/1

Posted his best effort since winning at Cheltenham in November 2017 when just touched off at Plumpton (25.7f, good) recently. Remains on an attractive mark and he needs considering.

Form: P6-8632

Thomas Shelby³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: James Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 112| D

7/2

Relished the testing conditions when producing a career-best to win at Bangor in September. Disappointing since, though, and the percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Form: 231P5F

Ebony Gale^b,t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 112

3/1

Following a break/wind surgery and with a tongue strap added, he raised his game when making it fourth time lucky over fences at Taunton (23f, soft). 4 lb rise fair and quicker ground here no issue.

Form: 40-2861

Peur De Rien⁹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: O Sherwood| OR: 109

11/2

Followed winning Uttoxeter chase debut in September with a couple of poor efforts. Bounced back with a near miss at Doncaster (19f, soft) when last seen in December, but this trip may stretch him.

Form: 8/9-1PP2

Forecasts

Big Difference (11/4), Ebony Gale (3/1), Thomas Shelby (7/2), What A Moment (4/1), Peur De Rien (11/2)

Preference is for EBONY GALE, who overcame a couple of significant errors in the jumping department when opening his chase account at Taunton. He remains on a potentially handy mark judged on his hurdles exploits and may well have more to offer in this sphere and as a stayer. Big Difference deserves to get his head in front and is next on the list ahead of What A Moment.