Heavitree Brewery PLC Handicap Chase

Off time: 18:10 | Winning time: 4m 50.30s

Wicked West⁹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 120| CD

10/11

Improved for new stable, winning maiden/novice hurdle events last summer. Holding form well prior to making impressive winning chase debut in novice handicap over C&D 9 days ago. Can defy a penalty.

Form: 532331

Kauto The King^t¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Brendan Powell| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 120| D

15/2

Made it 4 wins from 5 starts when successful in handicap chase at Wincanton (20.2f) in November. Below form in 5 starts since so now has a bit to prove, but has dropped to a good mark as a result.

Form: 156347

Red Happy^b,t⁷^{(ex 7)}

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Philip Armson⁽⁷⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 113| D

9/4

Three-time chase winner in France. Low-key start for new yard but eased in weights and took advantage to score at Wincanton (20.2f) last month. Followed up at Taunton (18.2f) 7 days ago. Respected.

Form: P4PP11

Dindin^t1⁶⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 119| DWS

9/1

Fairly useful form over hurdles/fences in France, winning listed chase at Nantes in October. Below form since, claimed from P. J. Fertillet after last outing in February. Has had a wind op.

Form: F14666

Destin D'Ajonc^t²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: K Brogan⁽³⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 117| D

12/1

Stepped up on return when winning handicap chase at Chepstow (19.5f) in January. Shaped as if possibly better for the run after 11 weeks off at Wetherby 23 days ago. Could show more this time.

Form: 139-514

Forecasts

Wicked West (10/11), Red Happy (9/4), Kauto The King (15/2), Dindin (9/1), Destin D'Ajonc (12/1)

WICKED WEST made a good impression when successful on chasing debut over C&D 9 days ago and a penalty might not be enough to stop him following up. With more improvement to come over fences, the 6-y-o can see off the challenge of Red Happy, who is going the right way for David Pipe having won his last 2 starts. The pair look the 2 to focus on, though Destin d'Ajonc could be able to step up from his Wetherby run last time.