Armstrong Watson Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:15 | Winning time: 4m 10.16s

Playful Saint^t²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 136| D

3/1

Lightly raced 9-y-o who put a couple of low-key hurdle runs behind him to get off the mark over fences right away at Hexham last week, deserving extra credit for overcoming not only an error that nearly dislodged his rider but also sitting close to a very strong pace. Can follow up.

Form: 13/260-1

Tedtwo³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 128| D

9/4

Bumper winner for Brian Ellison who scored on Ffos Las hurdle debut in December (only start for Kerry Lee) and has continued the good work for another new stable, landing novices at Sedgefield and Hexham this spring. Brings unexposed potential to this chase and handicap debut.

Form: 7/12211-

Salamanca Bay^h³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 127| D

11/2

Too headstrong for his own good on first 3 starts over fences for new connections after a long absence but channelled his energy much better in a first-time hood to make all at Ayr in March. Even better form when second back there since. Should give another good account.

Form: U/32312-

Doyen Du Bar^h1³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: Craig Nichol| T: Miss P Robson| OR: 123| D

11/2

Very lightly raced for age but made up for lost time over the winter, winning maiden/novice hurdles. Well-held fourth of 5 switched to fences for his handicap debut at Carlisle in February but retains potential in this sphere. This enthusiastic front-runner sports a first-time hood.

Form: 3/21148-

El Muchacho^t⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Bradley Harris⁽³⁾| T: H Dickin| OR: 118| BF| D

3/1

Made a successful start for new trainer Harriet Dickin over fences at Plumpton on Easter Monday. Shaped as if still in form when third of 5 at Fakenham (2m, good) 6 weeks ago, going with enthusiasm. Remains well treated on the Plumpton form.

Form: 4P3313-

Forecasts

Tedtwo (9/4), Playful Saint (3/1), El Muchacho (3/1), Doyen Du Bar (11/2), Salamanca Bay (11/2)

An interesting race. PLAYFUL SAINT did well to come back for more having sat close to a strong pace when striking on his Hexham chase debut so he might be able to cope with a 4 lb rise. El Muchacho could be the one to give him most to do in a contest where a case can be made for all 5.