West Berkshire Mencap Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 4m 1.15s

Yes Indeed^t⁷²

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 128WS

4/1

Fairly useful winning chaser who shaped better than distance beaten suggests under a positive ride when fourth in 7-runner Hereford handicap (20.9f) in December, albeit finishing effort typically underwhelming. Had wind surgery since though and not ruled out from this mark.

Form: 5623-64

Stepney Causeway^p¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Mitchell Bastyan| T: M F Harris| OR: 125| D

9/1

Useful hurdles winner for Dan Skelton. Yet to get his head in front in this sphere but he did score on the level at Saint Moritz for present yard in February. Latest run at that venue easily overlooked and operating from career-low mark back over fences. Market may guide with cheekpieces back on.

Form: PF-4335

Gallic Geordie⁶²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-10| J: Nick Scholfield| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 110| CD

13/8

In fine form last winter, rattling off quick-fire hat-trick in C&D handicap in December. Winless since but clearly as good as ever judged on his second back here on New Year's Eve, beaten only by a totally unexposed sort. Brings solid claims to the table once more.

Form: 324-2F2

Calgary Tiger²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Ben Ffrench-Davis⁽⁷⁾| T: W De Best-Turner| OR: 102| D

13/8

Little worthwhile form over hurdles but he provided his stable with first ever winner over jumps following a lengthy absence over fences at Wincanton (15.7f) 4 weeks ago, making all. Whether he can back that up now has to be up for debate, however.

Form: P0495/1

Forecasts

Calgary Tiger (13/8), Gallic Geordie (13/8), Yes Indeed (4/1), Stepney Causeway (9/1)

GALLIC GEORDIE confirmed himself still very much of interest from this sort of mark when going down only to a completely unexposed sort over C&D in December and he looks sure to go well again. Yes Indeed shapes like he's more than capable of defying this sort of mark when putting his best foot forward and, following wind surgery, he could well emerge as the chief threat dropped back in trip.