Richard Ling Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 4m 20.32s

Return Ticket^p,t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: R Menzies| OR: 138| D

6/1

Scored on return in 2021/22 at Wetherby. Failed to back that up next 2 starts but bounced back when landing listed handicap at Ayr in April. Found it tough when sixth of 8 at Kempton last time but has been dropped 2 lb.

Form: P/1351-6

Arvico Bleu^t⁴⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Callum Bewley| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 134| D

28/1

Made a winning start for new yard when winning easily at Carlisle in October. Not disgraced at Aintree next time and probably needed the run at Perth after 6 months off last time.

Form: 217145-

Sao^h,t²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: R Menzies| OR: 131

8/1

Three-time winner in 2020/21. Didn't manage to get his head in front last term but ran as good as ever in defeat. However, only third of 5 at Kelso earlier this month so needs to find more.

Form: 2/24B4-3

Clear The Runway^p¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Adam Wedge| T: L Morgan| OR: 129| D

6/5

Highly progressive over fences this year and completed a simple task in novice hurdle at Southwell at the start of May. Followed up at Market Rasen 10 days later. Major player back chasing again.

Form: 2121-11

Dr Sanderson²³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 117| D

8/1

Dual chase winner at Ayr and Doncaster in late 2021. Has gone off the boil since but has dropped back down to his last winning mark as a result.

Form: 11366-6

Tonto's Spirit²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-6| J: C O'Farrell| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 116| CD

3/1

Tremendous record at this course (won another 3 handicaps last season, including this race). Not in the same form since but is now 8 lb below his last winning mark. Could prove to be a different proposition back here.

Form: 57433-4

Forecasts

Clear The Runway (6/5), Tonto's Spirit (3/1), Return Ticket (6/1), Dr Sanderson (8/1), Sao (8/1), Arvico Bleu (28/1)

TONTO'S SPIRIT has recorded 7 victories at Cartmel, including this race among 3 last season, so he can add another success to his tally now 8 lb below his last winning mark. His excellent course record can give him the advantage over the thriving Clear The Runway, who is respected is his bid for a 4-timer. Return Ticket can run his race again and completes the shortlist.