Mike McHugh Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 6m 45.33s

Fact Of The Matter^b,t¹⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 112

2/1

One-time useful staying chaser who is seemingly just fair nowadays. Been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper and drops in grade now.

Form: 44-7343

Black Anthem^p,t²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Burke| T: T Lacey| OR: 110| C

5/1

Multiple winner over hurdles/fences who ran well over the smaller obstacles when second at Uttoxeter in July. Breathing issue at Bangor last time, so may well be back on his game.

Form: 1P7-P25

Cage Of Fear³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Jack Tudor⁽³⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 107

11/4

Successful at Perth (3m) a year ago for Fergal O'Brien but hasn't really got going for new stable.

Form: 862-545

Joey Steel^p¹⁰⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Christian Williams| OR: 89| BF

2/1

Proved better than ever in finally shedding his maiden tag at Fakenham in May and backed it up with a second at Fontwell next time, albeit seemingly unwilling over pressure. Considered in a weak race.

Form: 52P-212

Forecasts

Joey Steel (2/1), Fact Of The Matter (2/1), Cage Of Fear (11/4), Black Anthem (5/1)

BLACK ANTHEM can be forgiven a recent tame effort over hurdles and his previous outing was a positive one, so a chance is taken on him to make a winning return to chasing in a tricky event. Fact of The Matter strikes as a danger dropping in grade, while Joey Steel is an obvious player if he applies himself under pressure.