Vickers.Bet Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 6m 24.66s

Alminar⁵⁰⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 12-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 112| CD

8/1

Gained a third win over fences at Wincanton (25.1f, soft) in March last year, but below form in only 2 outings last season (both in June). Off 16 months as he makes his first run for yard after leaving Nigel Hawke. Capable if on a going day.

Form: 3P1F/63-

Poldark Cross²⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: D A Jacob| T: H Whittington| OR: 110| D

11/4

In first-time cheekpieces, back on track when second of 5 in handicap chase at Fontwell (19.5f, soft, 9/2) when last seen. Remains lightly raced over fences so can go one better back up in trip on return.

Form: 32/P2P2-

Dentley De Mee⁵⁹³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 104

5/2

Belatedly opened chase account at Wincanton (25.1f, heavy) in February last year and ran respectably at Taunton on his 2 starts the following month. Off 19 months and has left Nick Williams, but new yard capable of readying one after an absence.

Form: 344125/

Icaque de L'Isle¹²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: J M Quinlan| T: R Bandey| OR: 112

15/8

Fair form in a trio of starts over fences in France. Won handicap at Aix-Les-Bains (17.9f, soft) in June before third in 4-y-o event at same course the following month. First run for yard after leaving Emmanuel Clayeux. Interesting contender.

Form: 67-03

Son Of Oz^b²⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Sean Houlihan| T: R Stephens| OR: 75

10/1

From 22 lb out of the handicap, seemingly much improved when third at this C&D (heavy) in January. However, pulled up both starts since, so easy enough to look elsewhere on his return from 8 months off.

Form: 0/773PP-

Non-Runners

Looks Like Power²⁶⁹

Weight: 11-9| Age: 12

T: Mrs D A Hamer J: Joe Anderson

Joey Steel⁵¹

Weight: 10-10| Age: 9

T: Christian Williams J: Jack Tudor

Forecasts

Icaque de L'Isle (15/8), Dentley De Mee (5/2), Poldark Cross (11/4), Joey Steel (7/1), Alminar (8/1), Looks Like Power (8/1), Son Of Oz (10/1)

A winning pointer earlier in his career, POLDARK CROSS got back on track over fences when runner-up on his final outing last season and he could yet be capable of better. The 7-y-o is taken to open his account under Rules now back up in trip, with Icaque de l'Isle feared most on his British debut. Dentley de Mee completes the shortlist having his first start for Venetia Williams.