Martyn And Maureen's Diamond Anniversary Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:57 | Winning time: 4m 43.68s

Pencreek^p,t³⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Luca Morgan⁽³⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 119

9/4

Improved for addition of cheekpieces when winning 7-runner handicap at Worcester 36 days ago. Form of previous Ffos Las second is also looking good and he's the one to beat from 4 lb higher.

Form: 143P-21

Fabrique En France^p,t⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 114

11/1

Workmanlike when getting off the mark over fences at Worcester in June. Proved a let down last time (jumped awkwardly) but remains on workable mark if able to bounce back.

Form: 252-313

Fire Squadron^t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: David Dennis| OR: 107WS

16/1

Fair maiden hurdler for Gordon Elliott but has disappointed in a pair of starts for current yard, looking less than straightforward fitted with tongue tie last time. More needed on chase debut.

Form: 7876-33

Punxsutawney Phil²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Henry Brooke| T: B Ellison| OR: 107| BF

2/1

Possibly needed the run when beaten favourite on return at Perth last time, but hasn't really kicked on from his novice hurdle win last season and needs to get back on track on chase debut.

Form: 21455-4

Smith's Bay³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-6| J: Nick Scholfield| T: P Gundry| OR: 97| D

3/1

Showed more than on chase debut when second in 6-runner C&D event 30 days ago, though didn't fully go through with finishing effort. Overall profile remains unconvincing but might not be too far away if in same form as last time.

Form: 042-P62

Peckinpah^h1¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Charlie Hammond| T: B R Summers| OR: 90

12/1

Stripped fitter for reappearance when fourth here (17f) on chase debut 18 days ago. Out of weights here but should give another fair account with hood on 1st time.

Form: 240P-54

Forecasts

Punxsutawney Phil (2/1), Pencreek (9/4), Smith's Bay (3/1), Fabrique En France (11/1), Peckinpah (12/1), Fire Squadron (16/1)

PENCREEK rallied well when scoring at Worcester last time and shouldn't need to improve to follow up here. Fabrique en France and Smith's Bay have the best remaining chase form on offer, though neither can boast a particularly solid overall profile.