Kellys Soft Mix Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 4m 44.4s

Mackenberg²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Theo Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 140| D

16/5

Stretched his unbeaten chase record to 4 when shading a tight finish in a 2m Ayr handicap on his reappearance 4 weeks ago. 3 lb rise is offset by his jockey's claims. Another bold show likely.

Form: 7111P-1

Topofthecotswolds^p1²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 130| CD

3/1

Landed a second handicap chase success of the season when seeing off 4 rivals at Ludlow (25.5f) 22 days ago, forging 10 lengths clear. 4 lb rise is fair enough and he is effective over this shorter trip. Has cheekpieces on for the first time.

Form: 6-F1431

Barton Knoll²²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Mackie| OR: 127| CD

6/1

Should be sharper for his recent first outing in 5 months at Newbury and the fact he's won this race for the last 2 years (partnered on both occasions by Sean Quinlan) earns him a place on the shortlist.

Form: 123-244

The King Of May^p¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Henry Brooke| T: B Ellison| OR: 126| D

11/2

Largely consistent last term and made a sound return to action when third of 10 at Wetherby (19f) 13 days ago. Cheekpieces refitted. Another who can't be discounted.

Form: 92214-3

The Mighty Arc^t²⁸⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Kielan Woods| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 123WS

9/4

Quickly made up into a fairly useful chaser last winter, winning twice. Disappointed at Kelso on his final start but no surprise were he to resume his progression this season. Has had wind surgery.

Form: 32/131P-

Non-Runners

Nocte Volatus²²³

Weight: 11-6| Age: 7

T: T Lacey J: R Patrick

Buster Valentine²⁷

Weight: 10-13| Age: 9

T: M Walford J: Jamie Hamilton

Forecasts

The Mighty Arc (9/4), Topofthecotswolds (3/1), Mackenberg (16/5), Nocte Volatus (4/1), The King Of May (11/2), Barton Knoll (6/1), Buster Valentine (12/1)

Quite a useful handicap. If Theo Gillard's 3 lb claim is taken into account then MACKENBERG is effectively running off the same mark as at Ayr last month so he may be able to extend his winning sequence over fences to 5. Barton Knoll has won this for the last 2 years and has likely been primed for it again so he could provide the main threat.