National Hunt Appreciation Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 4m 27.46s

Defan⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 125

33/1

Dual winner over fences for Henry De Bromhead in Ireland but no impact in 4 starts this year and probably best watched on debut for new yard.

Form: 1660-57

Guy^p¹⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 122

10/11

Fairly useful chaser who was in good form over hurdles during the spring, landing the odds in a Ludlow novice (15.8f, good) when last seen in May. Resumes in this sphere on an attractive mark and fact that his yard is in such good form augurs well.

Form: 38432-1

Master Dancer²¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 118

5/4

Winning chaser in France who made a successful British debut back over hurdles in Stratford maiden last October before finishing a good third in a Cheltenham handicap. No show both starts since but perhaps the return to fences could have a positive effect.

Form: 17/13P7-

Fairway Freddy¹⁵⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: James Davies| T: N J Gifford| OR: 115| D

10/1

Resumed winning ways off this mark at Stratford (21f) last October and found just one good in a 17f Pumpton handicap in February. Poor effort on final run of last season but could have a part to play if on-song following a 5-month break.

Form: 12562-7

Non-Runners

Valentino Dancer²

Weight: 11-9| Age: 8

T: F O'Brien J: P J Brennan

Forecasts

Guy (10/11), Master Dancer (5/4), Valentino Dancer (9/4), Fairway Freddy (10/1), Defan (33/1)

Given that he goes well fresh and with his yard in terrific form, GUY is the most appealing option. He's only managed to win one of his 14 starts over fences, but his overall record in this sphere is pretty solid and and he's 7 lb lower in the weights compared to when runner-up in a Market Rasen handicap chase on his reappearance last season. Master Dancer is worth a second look on his first chase start on these shores and is second choice ahead of Fairway Freddy.