Virgin Bet Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 6m 24.88s

Clan Legend^t²⁶⁴

Age: 12| Weight: 12-0| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N W Alexander| OR: 130| C

9/2

Likeable veteran who was very gutsy when resuming winning ways at Aintree (19.9f) last December and far from disgraced when runner-up at Kelso (21.6f, heavy) when last seen in February. Has gone well fresh previously so worth a look on return.

Form: 23/3142-

Dieu Vivant^t¹⁶⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Toby Wynne⁽⁵⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 124| D

12/1

Ended losing run stretching back 2 years in hunter chase company at Southwell (3m) back in March. Not in anything like the same form either outing thereafter but he returns to action with yard in decent nick.

Form: 83313-7

Green Vault^t³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 117| C| D

4/6

Irish bumper winner who landed pair of heavy ground staying handicaps over hurdles last winter and, well, backed posted a career best to make a winning return/chase debut at Hexham (3m) 32 days ago, well on top finish. Interesting with prospect of more to come.

Form: 73115-1

Strong Economy^p²²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: C O'Farrell| T: I A Duncan| OR: 117| CD

25/1

Multiple course winner who bounced back to form when runner-up over C&D back in January. Fell next time and reportedly bled when pulled up in the Scottish National on his final start. Is operating from last winning mark if bouncing back.

Form: 4P52FP-

Donna's Delight^p²⁴²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 117| CD

6/1

Won a pair of handicaps chases here in early-2020 (over C&D second occasion) Missed whole of last year but firmly back on track when runner-up in a C&D handicap in March. Good shout if ready to roll on return.

Form: 511/P52-

Buddha Scheme^t,v³¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: S Mulqueen| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 112| D

14/1

Fair handicap chaser who was well served by emphasis on stamina when running out a 7-length winner of an amateur riders' handicap chase at Kelso (26f) last December. Absent since and market should guide with yard also saddling Green Vault.

Form: 32P/4F1-

Forecasts

Green Vault (4/6), Clan Legend (9/2), Donna's Delight (6/1), Dieu Vivant (12/1), Buddha Scheme (14/1), Strong Economy (25/1)

A low-mileage, dual winner over hurdles, GREEN VAULT made the perfect start over fences when getting off the mark in good style at Hexham 32 days ago and he earns the vote to follow up from a 5 lb higher mark with potential for better still highly likely. Veteran's Donna's Delight and Clan Legend may emerge as the chief threats