16:00 Taunton

Thursday 2 March 2023

All13:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:35

Richard Williams Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 5m 52.88s

Eclair Mag^b⁵¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-2| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 112

18/1

Ex-French recruit who sprung a surprise on British debut in 3m handicap chase at Market Rasen in January 2021. Record has been mixed since, and others look more appealing.

Form: 6F74-4P

Point Him Out^v1³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Joe Anderson⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 109

12/1

Fairly useful at up to 9f on the Flat in the US and fair form when off the mark over hurdles for present yard at Stratford (16.3f) back in March. Only minor encouragement over fences so far, so needs visor to perk him up.

Form: 412-626

Wick Green²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr P Mason⁽⁷⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 107

9/2

First run since leaving Jennifer Mason when 11/2, career best when winning 8-runner handicap chase at Ffos Las. Had something to spare and looks worth a chance to follow up.

Form: 1474-P1

Airtothethrone^t1³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 105| CD

5/1

Placed in both Irish points and bright start under Rules, unsurprisingly improving for switch to chasing when narrowly on top close home at Taunton (23f) in December. Not in the same form subsequently, though.

Form: 2-43155

Dan's Chosen⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Sean Houlihan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 105

6/1

Fair maiden hurdler who has quickly proven better over fences, left with a simple task when off the mark at Fakenham in October. Creditable efforts since and should be on the premises again.

Form: 321432

Hipop Des Ongrais²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: D A Jacob| T: R Walford| OR: 102| BF

9/2

Appealed as the type to make a better chaser and duly stepped up on his seasonal/chase debut when winning handicap at Fontwell (19.5f) in December. Disappointing next time but may well bounce back.

Form: 815-718

Camulus^b1²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams| OR: 98

11/2

Ex-pointer (half brother to Irish National winner Freewheelin Dylan) who has been brought along gradually under Rules. Shaped well on chasing debut at Fakenham a month ago and longer trip should suit. Strong claims.

Form: 4-42353

Imperial Joe²³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: David Prichard⁽⁵⁾| T: T Dennis| OR: 94| BF

7/2

Successful start over fences at Newton Abbot in May. Good efforts the last twice, runner-up here 23 days ago, and should make his presence felt again if getting the longer trip.

Form: 5-12432

Forecasts

Imperial Joe (7/2), Wick Green (9/2), Hipop Des Ongrais (9/2), Airtothethrone (5/1), Camulus (11/2), Dan's Chosen (6/1), Point Him Out (12/1), Eclair Mag (18/1)

WICK GREEN was impressive on debut for Ben Pauling and there's every chance he can follow up despite the presence of Camulus, an ex-pointer who shaped with encouragement on his recent chasing debut. Dan's Chosen is also considered.