16:05 Chepstow

Saturday 9 October 2021

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3016:0516:40

John Ayres Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 4m 52.32s

Janika¹⁸²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 158| D

17/2

Grade 2 winner over fences during 2019/20 and not disgraced back hurdling when fifth of 26 in Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Subsequent effort was tame and mark in this sphere is about right.

Form: 442/950-

Dolos^t¹⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 157| C| D

12/1

Very smart chaser whose form tailed off towards the end of last season, failing to beat a rival on his final two outings. Nicely handicapped as a result and usually goes well fresh, so considered.

Form: 4/44267-

Paint The Dream^t²⁴⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: C Brace| T: F O'Brien| OR: 147

15/2

Winning hurdler who finally clicked over fences when making all in Newbury handicap in December. Only third in Scilly Isles at Sandown since but should be tuned up for this return from 8 months off.

Form: 0/22313-

Espoir De Teillee⁵¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: T R George| OR: 144| D

20/1

Winner of 2½m handicap chases Warwick and Newbury following a second wind op earlier this year. Disappointing both outings this term, including back over fences at Stratford 51 days ago.

Form: 2/711-64

Manofthemountain¹⁷⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 144

7/2

Boasts an excellent strike rate and signed off last season with a career-best effort to score at Cheltenham 178 days ago. Another bold showing expected on return.

Form: 1/14P21-

Grand Sancy^h¹⁷⁴

10/3

Smart hurdler who doubled his tally over fences when bolting up in C&D in listed event on return at this meeting last year. Just respectable efforts at best subsequently, but returns on a good mark.

Form: 1/13934-

Hurricane Harvey^t1¹⁷⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 139WS

11/2

Useful hurdler who improved on that when sent chasing last season and, while his jumping let him down towards the end of the campaign, it's worth noting that he has a good record when fresh.

Form: 3/121P8-

Not That Fuisse^p¹⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 136| DWS

13/2

Useful chaser who landed a jumpers bumper in February. Good efforts in handicap chases subsequently, fourth at Sandown when last seen 168 days ago. Others look marginally better treated, however.

Form: 421524-

Five Star Getaway¹⁷⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-1| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Christian Williams| OR: 133

16/1

Ex-pointer who progressed rapidly upon being switched to fences last year, easily winning 3 handicaps despite going up a chunk in the weights. Not himself on final outing but could get back on the up.

Form: 6/51117-

Forecasts

Grand Sancy (10/3), Manofthemountain (7/2), Hurricane Harvey (11/2), Not That Fuisse (13/2), Paint The Dream (15/2), Janika (17/2), Dolos (12/1), Five Star Getaway (16/1), Espoir De Teillee (20/1)

GRAND SANCY was a bit underwhelming in handicaps last season, but his winning return in a listed event over C&D this time last year sticks in the mind, so he's fancied to repeat the feat off a handy mark. His stablemate, Dolos, is also expected to run well, while it would be no surprise were Five Star Getaway to resume progress having been freshened up. All in all, a fascinating contest.