16:45 Sandown

Saturday 11 March 2023

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:45

Daily Tips On Betting.Betfair.com Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:45 | Winning time: 5m 25.50s

Eden Du Houx^p,t⁶⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 132

11/1

Well served by return to chasing when doubling his tally in this sphere at Ffos Las (19.4f) in November. Hit with career-high mark and found Class 1 handicap too much at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but this rates more suitable and underfoot conditions will hold no fears.

Form: 5-3881P

Nocte Volatus^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 131| D

13/2

Took very well to fences last term, winning 3 times, and resumed with good second of 7 in handicap chase at Hereford (21f, soft). Set a couple of stiff tasks both subsequent outings and return to calmer waters rates a plus.

Form: 12U-269

Golden Whisky^p⁷⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 128| D

5/1

Has registered victories on each of last 4 seasons over fences and stepped up on comeback run when second in first-time cheekpieces at Chepstow (19.5f) over Christmas, giving best only to a much-improved sort. Comes here operating from same mark.

Form: 6143-62

Iconic Muddle¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: Caoilin Quinn⁽⁵⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 127

5/1

Pretty low-mileage for a 10-y-o and he shaped well on back of 14 months off when second at Kempton (20.5f) 2 weeks ago, left poorly placed in relation to all-the-way winner. Can take advantage of this sort of mark if standing more regular racing and worth a look.

Form: 32/U15-2

Zhiguli²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 126| D

9/1

Improved over fences last season, winning twice at Lingfield. Bettered low-key reappearance effort (reportedly bled) with respectable efforts at Kempton/here of late and certainly not out of things from reduced mark back down in trip.

Form: 419-P35

Belargus⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: N F Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: N J Gifford| OR: 125| CD

9/2

Dual course winner (latterly over C&D) during 2021. Very lightly raced and rather disconcerting he was in trouble some way out when pulled up at Kempton (3m) in January. Comes here with a fair bit to prove.

Form: 1/F40-6P

Prevaricate⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 121

28/1

Fairly useful winning hurdler for Gordon Elliott. Looks the part for chasing but shaped as if amiss when pulled up on chase debut/return for new yard at Wetherby (19.4f) in January. This ought to reveal more.

Form: 42418-P

Keep Wondering^p,t²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 120

8/1

Twice a winner with plenty of give underfoot over fences and fared better than previously this campaign when third in 7-runner handicap over 3m here 23 days ago. Potentially well handicapped now if he can build on that further.

Form: 42-3P43

Foxboro^b,t1¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: R Walford| OR: 120| CD

5/1

Gained due reward for consistency when landing this race 12 months ago and stepped up markedly on comeback run to score at Fontwell (21.6f) in December. However, hasn't been operating at same level subsequently, blinkers (retained here) making little difference latest. Tongue tie added.

Form: 1-01585

Forecasts

Belargus (9/2), Iconic Muddle (5/1), Foxboro (5/1), Golden Whisky (5/1), Nocte Volatus (13/2), Keep Wondering (8/1), Zhiguli (9/1), Eden Du Houx (11/1), Prevaricate (28/1)

ICONIC MUDDLE is pretty low-mileage for a 10-y-o and shaped well returning from a lengthy absence when runner-up at Kempton 2 weeks ago. He appeals as being favourably handicapped if he can stand more regular racing and gets the narrow vote, with Golden Whisky and Nocte Volatus, with his sights lowered, just two others to note in what rates a tricky finale.