Peter Woods 80th Birthday Bash Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 32.46s

Midnight Jewel¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Lily Pinchin⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 100| BF| C

1/1

Has won 4 of his last 6 starts over hurdles, the latest at Worcester (20f) in July. Encouraging second on chase debut back at that venue last month (jumped soundly in main) and he's a big player with more to come.

Form: 4112-12

Easy Bucks²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 96| D

9/4

Improved for the switch to chasing in 2020, winning pair of 3m handicaps at Uttoxeter. Seen only twice last year but confirmed he retains plenty of ability on back of 14 months off when second in 6-runner Perth handicap 22 days ago. Not discounted.

Form: 63P/36-2

Moans Cross⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Jordan Nailor⁽³⁾| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 95| CD

6/1

Standout effort in 4 starts last term when taking this race from a 6 lb lower mark and back to that sort of form when close third on return to action at Newton Abbot (21f) in June. Somewhat typically failed to build on that at Stratford in July but claims if back on-song.

Form: 4P15-35

Duneomeno⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams| OR: 81

18/1

Showed much improved form when off the mark on chase/handicap debut at Ludlow (2m) in February. Disappointing since, always behind at Stratford (19.5f) in July.

Form: 814P-76

Snug As A Bug^t¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Mrs S Gardner| OR: 75

9/1

7-y-o mare who went through a good spell this time last year, opening her account in a low-grade handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot. Fairly low-key return to action in 2 starts this summer and more needed now switched to chasing.

Form: 1266-P5

Oborne Lady²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: Ben Ffrench-Davis⁽⁷⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 72

66/1

Offered little in handful of starts on Flat/over fences during 2020 and, following a lengthy absence, she again showed nothing when distant last of 12 on AW at Kempton (2m) 4 weeks ago.

Form: P57PPP/

Forecasts

Midnight Jewel (1/1), Easy Bucks (9/4), Moans Cross (6/1), Snug As A Bug (9/1), Duneomeno (18/1), Oborne Lady (66/1)

MIDNIGHT JEWEL has thrived over hurdles and produced a promising first effort over fences when runner-up at Worcester 18 days ago. Jumping soundly in the main there, he's the type to build on that and earns the vote to come out on top. Easy Bucks rates next best, ahead of last year's winner Moans Cross.