Guinness Microdraught Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:14 | Winning time: 6m 25.65s

Cruz Control^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 130| C

6/5

Fairly useful bumper/hurdles winner who opened his account over fences here (20f) in November. Found just one too strong at Doncaster on next two starts and not seen to best effect when a never-nearer fifth in Eider here last time. Remains of interest.

Form: 251225

Up Helly Aa King^t²⁶

Age: 13| Weight: 11-8| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N W Alexander| OR: 124

5/1

Likeable chaser who landed 3m Ayr handicap in January and posted a good second of 8 to Jet Legs in handicap chase at Carlisle (24.5f, heavy) 26 days ago. Up 2 lb but this veteran is in the mix once more.

Form: 42-61F2

Houston Texas²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Sean Quinlan| T: N G Richards| OR: 123

10/1

Added to his fine record at Carlisle when scoring on return (26.2f) there in November. Below par both runs since however, back at Carlisle when only fifth of eight in 3m handicap 26 days ago. Has a bit to prove.

Form: 471-1P5

Jet Legs²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Callum Bewley| T: M Todhunter| OR: 120| CD

9/4

Dual winner over hurdles and has continued on the up over fences this season, scoring over C&D and in 3m handicap chase at Carlisle 26 days ago by 1¾ lengths from Up Helly Aa King. Good jumper who is not taken lightly despite another 5 lb rise.

Form: 1-44121

East Street^b¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽³⁾| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 117

12/1

Unreliable type who scored at Wetherby (24.2f) in November and went close over C&D next time. Well below par all 3 runs since though and others make more appeal.

Form: P12PF5

Forecasts

Cruz Control (6/5), Jet Legs (9/4), Up Helly Aa King (5/1), Houston Texas (10/1), East Street (12/1)

CRUZ CONTROL wasn't seen to ideal effect when set a lot to do in the Eider here last time out so Tom Lacey's 7-y-o is well worth another chance to confirm himself handily weighted now reverted in trip. Jet Legs has also made a positive start over fences and rates a big threat though on the back of his cosy Carlisle success, with veteran Up Helly Aa King in the picture too.