Flowfit Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 3m 56.80s

Romanor⁵⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: M G Nolan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 110| D

6/1

Headstrong sort but had been holding his form well last season following back-to-back handicap wins in July. However, was far too fresh after 4 months off when well held at Newton Abbot in March.

Form: 232335-

Court Royale¹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 106| BF| CD

9/2

Nearly took advantage of a career-low mark when narrowly denied at Hereford (19f) in February. Not in the same form next time but respectable third at Fontwell (17.8f) 11 days ago. Respected.

Form: 69522-3

Elios D'Or^b,t¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Stan Sheppard| T: R Walford| OR: 103| D

11/2

Won back-to-back handicaps at Worcester (16.5f) last summer, but seems to have lost his way on last 3 starts. Has dropped below his last winning mark but enough to prove. Blinkers/tongue tie back on.

Form: 1136P-5

Richie Valentine^p¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Chris Ward⁽⁵⁾| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 100

7/2

Had a wind op and returned to form when scoring at Plumpton (17f) in April. Backed up that effort when second at Fontwell 11 days ago. Has struggled with consistency but could go well in current mood.

Form: 5P2P1-2

Ben Buie^v¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: S Bowen| T: M Keighley| OR: 97| D

7/2

Improved over fences since the visor went on, winning twice at 2m towards the end of 2021. Off 4 months, possibly needed the run at Worcester 18 days ago. Can build on that effort to score again.

Form: 90113-5

Forget You Not^t³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Harry Kimber⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss J Du Plessis| OR: 87| BF| D

7/2

Showed first form when switched to current yard last season, winning handicaps at Exeter (19.2f) and Wincanton (15.7f). However, disappointed on latest start in April. Others preferred.

Form: 71P134-

Forecasts

Richie Valentine (7/2), Forget You Not (7/2), Ben Buie (7/2), Court Royale (9/2), Elios D'Or (11/2), Romanor (6/1)

BEN BUIE showed improved form over fences last season having been fitted with a visor, recording back-to-back wins on his first 2 starts in the headgear. After 4 months off, he possibly needed the run last time so can leave that effort behind him to get back on track. The main danger to the selection could be Richie Valentine in his current mood, while Court Royale is well handicapped on his old form.