Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 3f 85y | 8 Runners | Turf

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 147| BF| CD

Grade 1 winner as a novice who was in the process of delivering a most impressive display when falling 3 out in Charlie Hall on return here 2 years ago. Raced only 3 times since and was pulled up when last seen on Boxing Day, but he goes well fresh and will take plenty of stopping if on-song.

Form: 52F62/P-

War Lord^t²⁰⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 140| DWS

Smart novice chaser in 2021/22, but last season didn't go to plan. Has undergone a wind op since his latest appearance in April and while this mark would be a lenient one if he were to put his best foot forward, he now finds himself with a bit to prove.

Form: 2/3P2P5-

No Risk Des Flos²³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 137| CD

Winner of both hurdles starts here and enhanced his record at this track switched to fences last season, making it 2-3 over the larger obstacles at Wetherby when landing a C&D handicap in January. This demands a personal-best, but he should make his presence felt.

Form: P/41613-

Frero Banbou²³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 133

Positive start to last season when runner-up in a Grade 3 Ascot handicap. Has subsequently failed to reproduce that level of form, but he has been given a chance by the handicapper and it would be churlish to rule him out.

Form: 9/24340-

Gloire D'Athon^h,t¹⁰⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Tom Cannon| T: Mrs S J Humphrey| OR: 132

Enjoyed a fine campaign last season and it's easy enough to forgive him for a rare below-par display at Market Rasen on latest start in July. Likely to find one or two too good here in any case.

Form: 1121-17

Arthur's Quay^t¹²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-10| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 129

Won 3 on the bounce last winter and back on the scoresheet with a decisive display at Cartmel (21.2f, good to soft) when last seen in July. That represented a career-best, but he'll need to take another step forward in order to follow up off 6 lb higher in this stronger race.

Form: 232-941

Famous Bridge²²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 128| C| D

Dual hurdles winner who has recoded both chase victories at this course, the latest a novice handicap here (24.2f, soft) in March. Only gone up 3 lb for that and, with the likelihood of better to come from this 7-y-o, he's a must for the shortlist.

Form: 1P/3411-

Dubai Days^h¹⁹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 10-8| J: Bruce Lynn⁽³⁾| T: N W Alexander| OR: 127| BF| C

Held form well over fences last season, resuming winning ways at Carlisle in March before good second at Ayr when last seen the following month. However, his record when fresh isn't the best and he looks vulnerable.

Form: 532312-

Forecasts

Shan Blue (11/4), Famous Bridge (4/1), Dubai Days (6/1), Frero Banbou (13/2), No Risk Des Flos (13/2), War Lord (8/1), Gloire D'Athon (10/1), Arthur's Quay (10/1)

The best is surely yet to come from FAMOUS BRIDGE, who ended last season with back-to-back wins at this course and a 3 lb rise for this latest success is manageable. Shan Blue is the class angle and will prove a tough nut to crack if anywhere near his best back here following a 10-month absence. Frero Banbou has slipped to an attractive mark and he needs considering, too.