NSPCC School Service Simply Ned Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:43 | Winning time: 4m 12.90s

Ballyoisin¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: E Bolger| OR: 160| BF| D

3/1

Proved he retains a good portion of ability returning from a 21-month absence, scoring at Ballinrobe in August and second at Listowel a fortnight ago. Should go well back in handicap company.

Form: 5612/12

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Nuts Well¹⁶²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: Danny McMenamin| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 157| CD

5/1

Landed this corresponding event last year and followed up 3 weeks later in the Old Roan at Aintree (2½m). Good second in Melling in the Spring and he's a player provided he's ready to roll on return.

Form: 13/1126-

Aye Right¹⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: B S Hughes| T: Mrs H O Graham| OR: 153| C| D

7/2

Has developed into a very smart chaser, posting several cracking efforts in defeat (including runner-up in this) last term. Scottish Grand National run easily excused so can get back on track here.

Form: 326230-

King D'Argent¹⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 146| BF

18/5

Highly progressive over fences last season, notching his third victory in this sphere at Warwick back in March. Similar form in defeat when runner-up at Ayr when last seen and may take some stopping.

Form: F13112-

Cracking Destiny⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: Callum Bewley| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 135| D

11/2

Placed in pair of handicaps at Perth in July and stepped up on those exploits to score at Stratford (19.5f) in August, jumping well and asserting run in. Fourth in this last year and should go well.

Form: P55-221

Gold Des Bois^t⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 126| D

7/1

Off the mark on chase bow at Ballinrobe in May and produced his best effort to date over timber when runner-up at Tramore in August. Sold £20,000 since but looks up against it.

Form: 30-1372

Forecasts

Ballyoisin (3/1), Aye Right (7/2), King D'Argent (18/5), Nuts Well (5/1), Cracking Destiny (11/2), Gold Des Bois (7/1)

Tough to split some of these but the vote goes to KING D'ARGENT. Dan Skelton's charge was highly progressive over fences last season and, provided he's ready to roll, he could take some stopping around here if allowed to dictate matters. First and second in this last year Nuts Well and Aye Right are both feared making their reappearance, with Irish-raider Ballyoisin another worthy of a mention.