William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 7.9s

Nuts Well⁶⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 158| CD

7/1

Likeable type who scored at Kelso and wasn't disgraced when fifth in 20f Aintree handicap later in October. One for the shortlist eased 1 lb now.

Form: 1126-15

Cheddleton¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 149

6/5

Much improved for the switch to chasing, landing pair of novice events last term, and he posted excellent second on his handicap bow at Cheltenham 16 days ago. Firmly in the picture off same mark.

Form: 4113-32

Cornerstone Lad¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: C O'Farrell| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 145| C

12/1

Smart hurdler who has yet to match that form over fences, though he was badly hampered 3 out when last in 2m handicap at Newcastle 18 days ago. More is still needed if he's to gain a first chase win.

Form: P/22P-24

Fransham⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 139| CD

11/2

Useful hurdler who quickly matched that level over fences when readily landing 3-runner handicap over C&D by 3¾l from Cornerstone Lad, jumping fluently. Has more to offer, and he rates a big player.

Form: 327F-41

Eclair D'Ainay^t³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 134

4/1

Dual chase winner around 2m, but he ran a rare poor race in first-time tongue strap when pulled up in 2m handicap at Newbury 30 days ago. Needs to get back on track.

Form: F122-4P

Katpoli^t⁴³⁰

10/1

C&D winner but off track for 14 months since unseated rider 4 out in 2m handicap at Cheltenham. Yard in good nick, so he's no forlorn hope returning after wind surgery.

Form: 17152/U-

Forecasts

Cheddleton (6/5), Eclair D'Ainay (4/1), Fransham (11/2), Nuts Well (7/1), Katpoli (10/1), Cornerstone Lad (12/1)

A case can be made for all of these, but FRANSHAM jumped really well when comfortably opening his account over C&D last month and is taken to defy a 3 lb rise in the weights. Cheddleton rates a big threat on the back of his excellent Cheltenham second however, with the likeable Nuts Well not taken lightly either.