Karen Dunbar Highly Commended Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 6m 36.04s

Southern Sam²⁸⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: J M Quinlan| T: R Bandey| OR: 119| BF

11/4

Shaped as if retaining all his ability (on return from lengthy absence) in 2 chase starts for Richard Bandey last term, making the frame in handicaps at Ffos Las (20.9f) and Hereford (25.2f). Off further 9 months since last start but respected nonetheless.

Form: 2513/32-

French Paradoxe^h²⁶⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: G Sheehan| T: O Signy| OR: 117| D

4/1

Off the mark over fences when making all in 4-runner handicap (10/3) at Doncaster (24f, heavy) in March and remains open to improvement in this sphere.

Form: 147/5F1-

Contemplatemyfaith²⁷⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 114

11/2

Disappointed when last seen in handicap hurdle at Sandown in February but had scored in testing conditions at Bangor previously and has experience in points. Worth a market check on chase debut.

Form: 33/3415-

Readysteadybeau^t²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: S Mulqueen| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 114| D

7/4

Won 1 of his 5 starts over timber and posted a promising third of 6 in Ayr handicap (20.5f, soft) on debut over fences 25 days ago. Open to improvement in this sphere and step back up in trip looks sure to suit.

Form: 2412P-3

Breizh Alko²²¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: M Keighley| OR: 110| D

15/2

Low-mileage 11-y-o who landed a pair of chase wins (at up to 26.9f) under Brian Hughes earlier this year. Unsuited by quicker conditions on final start of campaign and better expected on return here.

Form: 1/5211P-

Non-Runners

Tango Boy²⁵

Weight: 11-8| Age: 9

T: N P Mulholland J: T Scudamore

Forecasts

Readysteadybeau (7/4), Southern Sam (11/4), French Paradoxe (4/1), Tango Boy (4/1), Contemplatemyfaith (11/2), Breizh Alko (15/2)

This stiffer test of stamina will benefit READYSTEADYBEAU and he can get off the mark at the second time of asking over fences here. Last month's C&D winner Tango Boy is feared most.