Virgin Bet Veterans' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 6m 9.66s

Vintage Clouds^p⁶⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-7| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 143WS

14/1

Cracking servant over the years, back to form in cheekpieces to win Ultima at Cheltenham Festival last year. Form has gone the wrong way 3 starts this season though. Has had a wind op.

Form: 531-58P

Black Op^p,t⁶⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: T Scudamore| T: T R George| OR: 139| C| D

11/1

Cut little ice in the face of stiff tasks last season but disappointing he didn't show more in veterans' company at Aintree in October. Also well beaten at Ascot last time so not the force of old.

Form: 967F-56

Chirico Vallis^t³⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 135| D

5/2

Dual hurdle winner last season and back to winning ways over fences at Chepstow (23.6f) in October. Good third in Classic Chase at Warwick (29.2f) last month and remains with more to offer over 3m.

Form: 262-513

Belami Des Pictons¹⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 10-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 134| D

1/1

Lightly raced in recent seasons but he made an encouraging return when fourth at Bangor in November. Below form next time but second in veterans' handicap at Exeter 10 days ago and can go well again.

Form: 486/462

Up Helly Aa King^t⁵⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 10-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: N W Alexander| OR: 119

11/2

Won handicap at Ayr (20.5f) on return last season and had been holding his form well prior to being pulled up at Haydock (21.6f) in December. Needs to put last effort behind him now back up in trip.

Form: 523-44P

Non-Runners

Dingo Dollar⁸⁸

Weight: 11-12| Age: 10

T: A M Thomson J: Ryan Mania

Forecasts

Belami Des Pictons (1/1), Chirico Vallis (5/2), Dingo Dollar (5/2), Up Helly Aa King (11/2), Black Op (11/1), Vintage Clouds (14/1)

CHIRICO VALLIS may be a 10-y-o but he has got back on track over fences upped in trip this season. He followed success at Chepstow with a good third in the Classic Chase at Warwick and can return to winning ways back at 3m. Dingo Dollar also ran well in a good handicap last time when third in the Rehearsal Chase, while Belami des Pictons has to be respected for Venetia Williams.