Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (Grade 2 Limited Handicap) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 3m 56.5s

Editeur Du Gite³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: N F Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 159| CD

5/1

Bold-jumping front-runner developed into a high-class chaser last term, landing this contest (when not a handicap) and the Clarence House Chase. Little show in 2 outings this season, though has a shade to prove at present for all his peak form would see him a major player.

Form: 1144-54

Boothill^t³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: J J Burke| T: H Fry| OR: 158| CD

11/8

Three-time winner over fences last term including Grade 2 Wayward Lad over C&D and better than ever in landing valuable back-to-back Ascot handicaps (at 16.7f) this season. Likeable type can continue on an upward curve.

Form: 2123-11

Elixir De Nutz^p,t²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 156| C| D

11/4

Has returned better than ever this season, supplementing his Haldon Gold Cup success with another victory in a 6-runner handicap chase at Newbury (16.4f, good to soft) 25 days ago. That contest played to his strengths but he's foolish to discount given his current form.

Form: 292-511

Nube Negra^t¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 155| CD

13/2

Landed very short odds to win his second Shloer Chase last season before chasing home Editeur du Gite of the previous renewal of this contest. No show in better company so far this season but his mark does draw the eye.

Form: 3/12P-34

Malystic^h1³²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: N de Boinville| T: P D Niven| OR: 146| D

14/1

Capped a fine 2022/23 season with this third win of the campaign at Ayr (16.5f) in April. Failed to come on for his return when finishing well down the field behind Boothill in handicap chase at Ascot (16.8f, good to soft) 32 days ago. Hood now goes on.

Form: 1401-67

Grange Walk^b²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Kielan Woods| T: J P Ryan| OR: 142| D

18/1

Landed Grade B Handicap at Gowran in March and shaped better than the bare result when sixth of 12 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (17f, soft) 25 days ago, still holding every chance at 2 out. Handicapper looks to have him about right, though.

Form: 7-22436

Forecasts

Boothill (11/8), Elixir De Nutz (11/4), Editeur Du Gite (5/1), Nube Negra (13/2), Malystic (14/1), Grange Walk (18/1)

BOOTHILL has already landed a pair of hot Ascot handicaps this season and Harry Fry's gelding can progress further, with only a 3 lb rise for his latest success looking more than manageable. Elixir de Nutz arrives here in the form of his life and also can't be discounted, whilst Editeur du Gite, who won the corresponding contest last season, looks on a fair mark if able to return to anywhere near his best form.