Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 4m 49.80s

Drumconnor Lad^p,t²⁸¹

Age: 13| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: A Keatley| OR: 125

5/1

Back to winning ways when taking 9-runner Hexham handicap hurdle last April. Absent since a creditable third at the same venue the following month but returns with the stable among the winners and he's well treated on peak chase form.

Form: 5428-13

Barton Knoll⁸⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Mackie| OR: 123| CD

6/4

Three-time C&D winner who hasn't been at his best since in 2 outings since returning from a summer break but is starting to look well treated. Can finish weakly.

Form: 23-2445

On Springs¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Luca Morgan| T: B Pauling| OR: 118| D

3/1

Not entirely straightforward but thrived last summer, winning 4 of his 5 starts. However, this winter's efforts have not been particularly inspiring despite the stable being in good form in general.

Form: 11PP4U

Fakir^t¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Mitchell Bastyan| T: M F Harris| OR: 113

3/1

Back on track when landing a 3-runner handicap chase at Fontwell (21.5f, good) on debut for this yard in September but his efforts since have been a bit underwhelming

Form: 1653P5

Non-Runners

Sopran Thor⁴⁶

Weight: 11-7| Age: 8

T: G & J Moore J: J E Moore

Forecasts

Barton Knoll (6/4), On Springs (3/1), Fakir (3/1), Sopran Thor (4/1), Drumconnor Lad (5/1)

Adrian Keatley has his team in good nick so it may be worth siding with the veteran DRUMCONNOR LAD who showed he still retains plenty of ability over hurdles last spring and has won off much higher marks over fences than this before. Barton Knoll failed to fire last time but has a good overall C&D record and may give him most to do.