Better Odds At Matchbook Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:33 | Winning time: 6m 57.07s

Ask Me Early^t⁷⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: H Fry| OR: 139

1/1

Took very well to fences last term, winning each of his 3 completed starts. Won both his starts in novice events back hurdling this term and remains a chaser with potential back in this sphere.

Form: 11P1-11

El Paso Wood^t¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Philip Armson⁽⁷⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 129| BF| C

9/4

Notched up 4-timer in French Provinces last year and he gained breakthrough win for current yard in handicap here (26.7f) last month. Collared only close home over C&D 16 days ago. Big shout again.

Form: 1U5412

I See You Well²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: M G Nolan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 124

16/1

Has built up a good record at Plumpton, going in again at that venue (28.5f) in December. Not in same form in Sussex National next time but quickly back on track when second at Fontwell.

Form: 41-6162

Ede'iffs Elton^p³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: J E Moore| T: R Walford| OR: 114| CD

4/1

Dual winner here last season and enhanced excellent course record when head second over C&D on Boxing Day. Disappointed at Exeter since but no surprise if he bounced back returned to this venue.

Form: U11-624

Non-Runners

Sojourn¹¹²

Weight: 11-13| Age: 9

T: M Keighley J: 2nd Preference

Forecasts

Ask Me Early (1/1), El Paso Wood (9/4), Ede'iffs Elton (4/1), Sojourn (11/2), I See You Well (16/1)

ASK ME EARLY was progressive over fences last season, winning all 3 of his completed starts, and he got the job done in a couple of novice hurdles this term. He remains with potential back in this sphere, though it's worth bearing in mind he reportedly fell heavily when schooling in December. El Paso Wood went very close to making it back-to-back wins here earlier this month and is feared most.