bet365 Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:58 | Winning time: 6m 11.65s

First Account^v²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Sean Quinlan| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 117| CD

7/1

Versatile performer but shaped as if amiss after 13 months off at Kelso 3 weeks ago so has something to prove now.

Form: 22122-P

Creative Control³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 115| BF| CD

7/4

Dual winner over hurdles last season and stepped up on previous chase form when scoring in ready fashion over C&D in December. Good second back here following month and solid claims.

Form: 0-25512

That's A Given^p,t³³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Bruce Lynn⁽³⁾| T: N W Alexander| OR: 113

14/1

Fairly useful winner over fences for Noel Williams during summer of 2021. However, well held final outing for that yard and has fared little better in 4 starts for current yard (including over hurdles). Others preferred.

Form: 1P06-43

Methodtothemadness^t⁷⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 112| D

6/1

Better than ever back from wind surgery this autumn, winning at Bangor before good second there. Found out in better company at Carlisle since but this level more suitable.

Form: 324-126

Duke Of Deception^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Henry Brooke| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 100| BF

6/4

Has improved over fences with this headgear fitted, close second of 4 at Kelso 3 weeks ago, going like the best horse at the weights only to pay for committing for home further out than ideal considering he was upped to 3m for the first time. Can do better again,

Form: 4-85362

Non-Runners

Magna Sam¹

Weight: 12-7| Age: 9

T: A Ralph J: H Cobden

Forecasts

Duke Of Deception (6/4), Creative Control (7/4), Magna Sam (10/3), Methodtothemadness (6/1), First Account (7/1), That's A Given (14/1)

DUKE OF DECEPTION arguably would have won had his move been delayed even slightly when a close second at Kelso 3 weeks ago and he can gain compensation up against more exposed rivals. Creative Control is a solid alternative, while last year's winner Magna Sam needs keeping an eye on ahead of his belated return for a new yard.