Get Pulling With PJ Nicholls SsangYong Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:35 | Winning time: 5m 45.21s

Oscar Montel^v²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: B S Hughes| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 115| CD

9/2

A shade fortunate to come out on top sporting a first-time visor over C&D in June, still at least 2 lengths down when leader went wrong at the last. Struggling before halfway when well held at Cartmel since but return to this venue an obvious plus.

Form: 4P4-615

Thunderstruck²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 114

6/1

Fairly useful hurdles winner who twice ran well to be placed in that sphere during the spring. Successful only start in points earlier in career and it would come as no surprise to see a good showing on just his second chase start under Rules.

Form: 7P2-2P4

Dazzling Glory²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 114

11/2

Bumper/dual hurdles scorer who has a pointing background and may have come out on top but for luckless late exit on chase bow at Warwick (3m) in April. Creditable third at Southwell (24.2f) followed in June and she's not discounted for all this looks tougher.

Form: 653PF-3

D'jango^b,t¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Philip Armson⁽⁵⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 112| CD

5/2

Once-useful chaser in France. Back on track for present yard of late, landing C&D handicap hurdle/chase events in recent weeks. Up with strong pace/overcame bad mistake to win well latest and foolish to ignore despite 7 lb higher mark.

Form: 262-611

Present Chief²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 110| C| D

9/1

Fairly useful 3m2f winner over hurdles. Ended last year on a low-key note over fences but likely his first run for 7 months was needed when distant fourth at Southwell (24.2f) in June. This should reveal more.

Form: 8/334P-4

Game Socks^p¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 109

11/4

Won from this mark over hurdles at Fontwell (25.7f) in March and stepped up markedly on May's chase debut effort when runner-up in a C&D novice 17 days ago. Sound claims with a repeat returned to a handicap.

Form: 6613-42

Forecasts

D'jango (5/2), Game Socks (11/4), Oscar Montel (9/2), Dazzling Glory (11/2), Thunderstruck (6/1), Present Chief (9/1)

GAME SOCKS stepped up as expected on his chase debut form when edged out only late on in a C&D novice 17 days ago and, operating from the mark he was successful from over hurdles, he could be the way to go. The hat-trick seeking D'Jjango may emerge next best, whilst Thunderstruck is an intriguing contender on just his second start over fences from a much-reduced mark.