16:38 Stratford

Saturday 26 March 2022

All13:4314:1814:5315:2816:0316:3817:10

Paul Diblasio Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:38 | Winning time: 5m 46.65s

Kap Auteuil³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Harry Bannister| T: T Lawes| OR: 136| C

5/1

Has made big strides over fences, winning 5 of his last 7 starts over the bigger obstacles. Well held in novice hurdle last time but could do better now returned to chasing.

Form: 1-17147

Shoal Bay^p,t¹⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 134

25/1

Most unlucky not to make a winning return at Worcester (saddle slipped on run-in when clear). However, let down by jumping when pulled up in both starts since. Bit to prove having left Colin Tizzard.

Form: 351-UPP

Grand Sancy⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 132

10/3

Smart hurdler who has proved useful over fences, running well when fourth in Newbury handicap chase in November. Below form in 2 listed handicaps since but should appreciate this drop in grade.

Form: 34-54P6

Galahad Quest^t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: David Noonan| T: Nick Williams| OR: 132

5/2

Opened account over fences at Haydock (19.9f) on final start last term and has been running well this season. Creditable effort trying 3m at Kempton last time and could get back to winning ways down in class/trip.

Form: 35F625

Shetland Bus^t¹⁶¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 124

9/1

Completed hat-trick over hurdles at Perth last summer for Justin Landy, before good efforts 2 of next 3 starts. Rare below par effort when last seen and now tries chasing again for new yard,

Form: 112S35

L'Air Du Vent^t⁸⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 122

16/1

Bumper winner who made it second time lucky over fences last November. However, beaten a long way on sole subsequent completion and has plenty to prove at present.

Form: 1PF5-PP

Black Kalanisi²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 122

7/2

Won 3-runner chase and jumpers bumper last winter for Joseph Tuite. Third on yard/seasonal debut in handicap chase here and in the frame on Flat last 3 starts, winning at Southwell on first occasion. Up in trip.

Form: 1414-24

Non-Runners

Joueur Bresilien²⁷

Weight: 10-12| Age: 10

T: Miss R Curtis J: S Bowen

Forecasts

Galahad Quest (5/2), Grand Sancy (10/3), Black Kalanisi (7/2), Kap Auteuil (5/1), Shetland Bus (9/1), Joueur Bresilien (12/1), L'Air Du Vent (16/1), Shoal Bay (25/1)

GALAHAD QUEST has been running well this season and can capitalise on this weaker race to get back to winning ways. The 6-y-o has been holding his own in competitive contests, including when runner-up in a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham in January, and the new trip can suit. Grand Sancy is also dropping in grade and is feared, while Kap Auteuil could do better now back over fences.