Happy Retirement Brian Handicap Chase

Off time: 18:04 | Winning time: 3m 59.50s

Empire De Maulde^p⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: B S Hughes| T: J Ewart| OR: 132| C| DWS

10/3

Proved better than ever when resuming winning ways at Aintree (25f) in June. Good second from 8 lb higher mark at Cartmel (25.5f) in July and claims down markedly in trip/on back of a wind op.

Form: 314-212

Tonto's Spirit¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: C O'Farrell| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 129| D

9/2

Enjoyed a good summer at Cartmel, adding third success to his tally over extended 17f a couple of weeks back. 5 lb higher mark to defy away from that venue but he's clearly in good heart.

Form: 8-11251

El Borracho^t²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Henry Brooke| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 120| D

9/4

Dual hurdles winner who has made a bright start over fences, making it 2 wins from 4 starts at Sedgefield (17f) in August, registering an 11-length success. However, this is tougher.

Form: 212231

Duke Of Navan²⁸

Age: 13| Weight: 10-11| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards| OR: 120| CD

11/2

Admirable veteran who is often thereabouts for all his losing run is mounting up. Not disgraced in fourth at Worcester (16.5f) last time and the handicapper has given him a chance.

Form: 23-2424

Sword Of Fate¹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: D R Fox| T: L Kerr| OR: 106| D

10/3

Has enjoyed a productive summer, winning over hurdles at Perth and fences at Cartmel. Good second at first-named venue 10 days ago but this tougher operating from 3 lb out of the weights.

Form: 114242

Non-Runners

Some Reign¹⁵⁰

Weight: 11-13| Age: 10

T: R Dobbin J: Craig Nichol

Cracking Destiny²⁷

Weight: 11-12| Age: 8

T: Ewan Whillans J: Callum Bewley

Forecasts

El Borracho (9/4), Empire De Maulde (10/3), Sword Of Fate (10/3), Cracking Destiny (7/2), Tonto's Spirit (9/2), Duke Of Navan (11/2), Some Reign (8/1)

A competitive handicap despite the small field with the vote in favour of CRACKING DESTINY. He typically impressed with his jumping when resuming winning ways at Stratford last month and a 5 lb higher mark shouldn't prevent another big run. Some Reign goes particularly well fresh so is worth a look on his seasonal bow. Duke of Navan completes the shortlist.