Richard Strachan Retirement Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 34.30s

Mr Mafia^p¹⁷

Age: 13| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: M Keighley| OR: 122| D

16/1

Three-time handicap chase winner in 2021/22. However, form has gone the wrong way on his last 3 starts, losing touch back straight when well beaten fifth of 7 at Market Rasen on latest start.

Form: 311P4-5

Vivas^p,t³³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Lily Pinchin⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 120

7/2

Seventeen runs since last win in 2019 but in the frame on 4 of his 6 starts last season, third of 5 in handicap here (23.8f) on final occasion. Can give his running again.

Form: U2P433-

Fugitives Drift²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 119| BF

5/2

Useful hurdler in 2020/21 but went the wrong way over fences having made a winning start. Had a wind op and back on track reverted to hurdles last 2 runs. Step up in trip could suit back chasing.

Form: 3/1PP2-2

Oxwich Bay^p¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr Lewis Gordon⁽⁷⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 111

4/1

Back to form of late, landing 19.4f handicap chase at Chepstow in April before runner-up at Newton Abbot (21f) 12 days ago. Bad mistake cost him again last time, but can play a part in current mood.

Form: 46P21-2

The Late Legend^p,t³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Luke Scott⁽⁷⁾| T: T H Weston| OR: 110| D

2/1

Cashed in on a falling mark in 7-runner handicap at Warwick (3m) in April. That looks to be a solid piece form and he remains on a workable mark despite a 5 lb rise for that success. Can follow up.

Form: 324P41-

Forecasts

The Late Legend (2/1), Fugitives Drift (5/2), Vivas (7/2), Oxwich Bay (4/1), Mr Mafia (16/1)

THE LATE LEGEND took advantage of a reduced mark when getting back to winning ways at Warwick last month, ridden more prominently and still finding when left clear at the last. The 9-y-o has gone back up 5 lb but he has won off a higher mark in the past and can score again. Oxwich Bay is going through a good spell at present so is feared most, ahead of Vivas who has also been holding his form well of late.