17:15 Worcester

Thursday 15 June 2023

All17:1517:5018:2018:5019:2019:5020:2521:00

Get Pulling With PJ Nicholls SsangYong Novices' Handicap Chase (Div 1)

Off time: 17:16 | Winning time: 4m 57.48s

Callisto's King^p,t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 98| BF

9/2

Ran best race over hurdles when runner-up in handicap at Taunton (2m3f) in November. After 5 months off, again shaped well when fourth at Exeter in April, but only third of 6 at Southwell (24.3f) a month later. Could have more to offer as he switches to chasing.

Form: 74/524-3

Shot Tower^t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: James Davies| T: Joe Ponting| OR: 93

22/1

On his third start over hurdles, showed a bit more than previously when sixth of 12 in novice at Newton Abbot (16.8f) last month. Had placed on the final 2 of his 3 starts in points, so could do better again now making his chase/handicap debut.

Form: F3337-6

Mole Court^p1²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 92

11/4

Fortunate when off the mark in handicap hurdle at Hereford (21.7f) in February, but shaped as if still in good form when third at Southwell next time. Again ran well when second over C&D on chasing debut last month, and can go one better with cheekpieces now applied.

Form: 67213-2

Kalyptra⁹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Hammond| T: M Young| OR: 90

33/1

On his fifth trainer in 7 career starts, having left Colin Tizzard, offered little after 11 months off when pulled up in handicap hurdles at Taunton in March. Now goes chasing on first run for yard after leaving Syd Hosie. Others more persuasive.

Form: 420F0/P-

Sinister Minister^p,t¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 85

11/4

Proved that he retains his ability when runner-up over hurdles at this course in October last year. Ran poorly on his next 2 starts, but back on track sent chasing (in first-time cheekpieces) when second at this C&D 12 days ago. Merits consideration.

Form: P7/2P-02

If I Say²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Lily Pinchin⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 83| CD

12/1

Off the mark in handicap hurdle here (20f) in September but below that level in 3 subsequent starts last season, including on chasing debut at Huntingdon on Boxing Day. Possibly needed the run after 5 months off last time, but has a bit to prove back over fences.

Form: 81747-8

Ironhill^t¹⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Liam Harrison| T: M Scudamore| OR: 78| C

4/1

Made winning start for Alastair Ralph in bumper at this course last summer, but failed to go on from that effort sent hurdling. However, made more of an impact when runner-up at Hereford (2m) on chasing debut when last seen in January. Back up in trip for his stable debut.

Form: 17P072-

Ocean's Of Money^t⁶⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Robert Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs N S Evans| OR: 77

28/1

Showed some ability in a pair of maiden hurdles for Miss Elizabeth Doyle in March 2021. Didn't show much over hurdles for current yard, but some encouragement on chasing debut when third of 6 at Ffos Las (19.4f) in April. Task is now to build on her latest effort.

Form: 26/4003-

Mawlood¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: G Howell| OR: 73

22/1

Dual hurdles winner but failed to progress over fences for Phil Middleton. Produced best effort for current yard when third of 7 in handicap chase at Huntingdon (16.5f) 17 days ago, but others still preferred as he goes back up in trip.

Form: 48/08-73

Old Page^p1¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Benjamin Poste| T: A Sadik| OR: 69

33/1

Won his completed start in Irish points but remains with little form under Rules, behind when pulled up in handicap chase at Cartmel (25.5f) 19 days ago. First-time cheekpieces/drop back in trip not enough to tempt.

Form: 443P5-P

Forecasts

Mole Court (11/4), Sinister Minister (11/4), Ironhill (4/1), Callisto's King (9/2), If I Say (12/1), Mawlood (22/1), Shot Tower (22/1), Ocean's Of Money (28/1), Old Page (33/1), Kalyptra (33/1)

MOLE COURT has been holding his form well, placing again on his chasing debut at this C&D last month, and he can build on that with cheekpieces now added to gain a first success over fences. He is taken to get the better of Callisto's King, who could have more to offer sent chasing, with Sinister Minister completing the shortlist.