John Ayres Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:31 | Winning time: 4m 50.06s

Paint The Dream^t¹⁸³

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: C Brace| T: F O'Brien| OR: 157| CD

11/4

Improved over fences last season, taking this contest and Greatwood Gold Cup (19.8f) off 10 lb lower. Far from disgraced in Melling Chase at Aintree on final start and look sure to make another bold bid on return here.

Form: 104414-

Light N Strike¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 138| D

2/1

Won 3 of his 8 starts over fences and had excuses when seventh at Market Rasen when last seen in this sphere in July. Since acquitted himself well over hurdles and must enter calculations back over larger obstacles here.

Form: 1-31712

Flic Ou Voyou^p¹⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 133| BF| C| D

9/4

Had a mixed first campaign over fences, just managing sole success (in match at Doncaster) and ending season with disappointing fourth at Sandown in April. Has scored first time up before, however, and returns on a fair mark. Respected.

Form: 3132U4-

Galahad Quest^t¹⁹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-3| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 132| BF

11/2

Unable to score in 7 attempts last term, ending campaign with creditable second of 7 in handicap chase at Stratford (22.6f) in March. Now with Jane Williams and any rain would enhance his claims.

Form: 5F6252-

Forecasts

Light N Strike (2/1), Flic Ou Voyou (9/4), Paint The Dream (11/4), Galahad Quest (11/2)

Last year's winner PAINT THE DREAM is 10 lb higher now but has conditions in his favour and can take the prize home again. Flic Ou Voyou is feared most.