Mark Wiggin Estate Agents Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 5m 10.42s

Charles Ritz⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 122| D

11/4

Milan gelding who looked a good staying prospect when scoring on debut over hurdles in a Southwell novice (20.4f) in December 2021. Not disgraced on either start since (returned from a year off latest) and looks an interesting chasing debutant.

Form: 2/15-6

Fire Dancer^t1⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 120| CD

7/2

Fair hurdler/chaser in France for Guillaume Macaire and made a winning start for this yard on the back of a lengthy absence in C&D handicap chase in January. Pulled up at Cheltenham later in month though so has something to prove. Tongue strap on 1st time.

Form: 3932/1P

Zestful Hope³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Lily Pinchin⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 120| D

4/1

Won a pair of handicap hurdles at Hereford this winter but raised 9 lb for latest success and finished well held at Ascot subsequently. Will need to improve for switch to chasing to defy current mark.

Form: 361418

Cartonne^t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 113| D

3/1

Had been going the wrong way over hurdles but made a successful debut over fences at Musselburgh (2m4f) in February and easily followed up there 22 days ago. Up 6 lb but still looks the one to beat in hat-trick bid.

Form: 2-24711

Jazz King⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Tom Cannon| T: S Thomas| OR: 110

13/2

Showed ability over hurdles last term, making the frame on all 5 outings. However, offered little on Ffos Las return in January and plenty to prove on debut over the larger obstacles.

Form: 22443-P

Non-Runners

Inishbiggle²

Weight: 12-0| Age: 8

T: G Hanmer J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Charles Ritz (11/4), Cartonne (3/1), Fire Dancer (7/2), Zestful Hope (4/1), Jazz King (13/2), Inishbiggle (14/1)

CARTONNE hasn't looked back since sent chasing and is weighted to complete a hat-trick on the back of his latest easy Musselburgh success where he jumped very well. Charles Ritz appeals as the sort to take to fences and is next on the list ahead of Fire Dancer, who is worth another chance for his current yard.