Meikleour Beech Hedge Handicap Chase

Off time: 20:33 | Winning time: 4m 53.8s

Pardon Me¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 104| CD

7/1

Two wins from 6 runs last season, including this corresponding race from 1 lb higher. Failed to come on for reappearance when only fifth of 7 at Southwell 2 weeks ago, though possibly still needed the run and not ruled out.

Form: 1123-85

Friary Rock^v³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: B S Hughes| T: L Morgan| OR: 101| D

6/4

Failed to justify support in a first-time tongue strap when fourth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (24.3f, good to firm) 36 days ago. Still, looks an interesting runner on handicap chase debut on the pick of his form.

Form: 8777P-4

Raddle And Hum^t³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: Mrs A Duffield| OR: 97WS

85/40

Ran up to best on first run since leaving Micky Hammond when creditable second of 5 in handicap chase at this course (23.8f, good) 38 days ago. Had a breathing op subsequently and respected from 3 lb higher.

Form: 63333-2

Ensel Du Perche³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Henry Brooke| T: Mrs Stella Barclay| OR: 85

16/1

Fair maiden hurdler for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland. Ran better than on his return when fifth of 7 in 2m handicap hurdle at Worcester 37 days ago, but needs to do more, even from a tumbling mark. Back over fences (fell first only previous start).

Form: P26P-05

Golden Chancer^p,t²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽⁵⁾| T: D Bourke| OR: 80| C

9/2

Confirmed his return to form in a first-time visor when second of 7 in handicap hurdle at this course (20.2f, good) 26 days ago, ridden aggressively. Switches to chasing now and his profile suggests he's uncertain to reproduce that form.

Form: 09-7P52

Non-Runners

Young William⁸

Weight: 11-2| Age: 6

T: W Young Jnr J: Mr John Dixon

Forecasts

Friary Rock (6/4), Raddle And Hum (85/40), Golden Chancer (9/2), Pardon Me (7/1), Ensel Du Perche (16/1), Young William (40/1)

FRIARY ROCK failed to justify support at Southwell last time, but he makes his handicap debut in this sphere from an appealing opening mark judged on his Wexford success a year ago, so gets the nod. Last year's winner Pardon Me perhaps still needed the run at Southwell and can't be ruled out, with Raddle And Hum also feared.