CRS Building Supplies Ltd Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 5m 1.45s

Esprit De Somoza^p,t¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Chester Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 122| CD

1/1

Back to winning ways over C&D in December and proved better than ever to go in again at Stratford (22.5f) 16 days ago, getting on top close home. Has to be of serious interest again from 4 lb higher mark.

Form: 441321

Master Work^p¹¹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean Houlihan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 118

14/1

Fairly useful chaser who took advantage of drop in weights at Taunton (18f) back in December 2020. Confined to just 4 starts since and well below best both starts late last year. Break may have perked him up and he's a potential player in this field.

Form: 512P-P7

Opening Bid^h¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: James Davies| T: C J Down| OR: 112

8/1

Fair 2m winning hurdler but proved disappointing on each of his last 2 starts in that sphere and beaten some way out on Stratford chase debut earlier this month. Questions to answer now.

Form: 5317P6

Young Wolf⁵⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 110

13/2

Multiple hurdles/chase winner who has generally been out of sorts this season, tailed off early final circuit at Market Rasen (23.8f) early last month. Eased a further 5 lb.

Form: P358PP

Red Happy^b,t¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: Philip Armson⁽⁷⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 106

13/2

Three-time winner over fences for Gabriel Leenders in France, scoring twice in November. However, he has made an underwhelming start for new connections on this side of the Channel. Blinkers again the headgear of choice.

Form: 11P4PP

Abaya Du Mathan^b,t¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-8| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 102| D

5/1

Dual chase winner in France last year but yet to make an impact for present stable, beaten long way out when eighth of 9 at Taunton (2m) 16 days ago. Handicapper has relinquished his grip a little more at least.

Form: F4F4P8

Non-Runners

Kakamora¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 7

T: T R George J: J J Burke

Forecasts

Esprit De Somoza (1/1), Kakamora (5/2), Abaya Du Mathan (5/1), Red Happy (13/2), Young Wolf (13/2), Opening Bid (8/1), Master Work (14/1)

Most of these arrive with questions to answer but that can't be said for ESPRIT DE SOMOZA who ran his best race to date over fences when successful at Stratford earlier this month and looks sure to play a lead role once more with a repeat. Master Work, back from a break, may emerge next best.