MKM Building Supplies Hexham Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 4m 18.76s

Augharue³⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Sam Coltherd| T: W Coltherd| OR: 92

9/2

Ex-pointer who stepped up on previous Rules efforts when third in a handicap at Bangor on chase debut a year ago. Slight concern that he's been off since but he has the potential for better.

Form: 423P/53-

Hell On Earth^p¹⁸²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Bruce Lynn⁽³⁾| T: C Bissett| OR: 90

40/1

Fair chaser at best in Ireland but seemingly retains little ability.

Form: 3626/PP-

Kicksaftersix¹¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Sean Quinlan| T: M Todhunter| OR: 84| BF| CD

85/40

C&D winner. Winner in chase here in June. 8/13, second of 3 in handicap chase at this C&D (good) 111 days ago. Remains of interest, particularly in such a weak race.

Form: 75-8212

Cudgel^p¹⁶¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: J Walton| OR: 84| BF| CD

9/2

Scored twice at this track in the spring and shaped much better than the result when fifth here 5 months ago. Fitness isn't assured but he's still worth chancing in a thin race.

Form: 54411-5

Coeur Aimant⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Ross Chapman| T: Lizzie Quinlan| OR: 73| BF

9/4

Off 12 months/had breathing op before posting good second in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter on reappearance. Disappointing favourite at Cartmel since but can't be written off on chasing debut.

Form: 55/02-24

Bandit D'Ainay^b,t¹⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 10-5| J: B S Hughes| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 69

17/2

Winner in France but now 0-18 since coming to Britain. Finished tired when a remote third at Perth last time and doesn't make much appeal.

Form: 5-745U3

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to board prices only - deduction 20p in the pound

Non-Runners

Fearless Action⁴⁷

Weight: 11-9| Age: 7

T: C Grant J: Tom Midgley

Forecasts

Kicksaftersix (85/40), Coeur Aimant (9/4), Augharue (9/2), Cudgel (9/2), Bandit D'Ainay (17/2), Fearless Action (16/1), Hell On Earth (40/1)

CUDGEL was in good order when last seen and boasts an excellent track record, so he's worth taking a chance on after over 5 months off. Kicksaftersix is expected to bounce back after a break, so he's regarded as the main danger ahead of Augharue.