John Murtagh 60th Birthday Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:27 | Winning time: 4m 3.74s

Matterhorn^t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: N de Boinville| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 137| CD

7/4

Dual novice hurdle winner who has taken very to fences, making it 3 from 3 in this sphere over C&D 3 weeks ago. This by far is toughest test but could still be ahead of his mark up 5 lb.

Form: 27P-111

Sir Tivo^t²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-5| J: R T Dunne| T: G Hanmer| OR: 128| CD

12/1

3-time C&D winner who won this race last year off 1 lb higher. Back to form when fifth at Uttoxeter 3 weeks ago and must be respected back at this venue.

Form: 213-985

In This World²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 126| D

15/8

Flat/hurdles winner in 2021 and immediately improved for the switch to fences in recent months, building on a series of runners-up efforts when winning 8-runner handicap chase at Worcester (16.5f) 4 weeks ago by 2½ lengths from Calgary Tiger, well on top finish. Should go well again.

Form: 40-2221

Opening Bid²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Bryan Carver| T: C J Down| OR: 123| C| D

17/2

Won 5 times over fences last term (including here) and he's returned to pick of his form in recent weeks, fourth of 13 in handicap chase at Uttoxeter (2m) 3 weeks ago. 3 lb above last winning mark but respected in any case.

Form: 1P4-724

Cracking Destiny²¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-7| J: Craig Nichol| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 116| CD

12/1

C&D winner. Better for return when respectable seventh of 13 in handicap chase (33/1) at Uttoxeter (16f, good to soft) 21 days ago but looks a shade too high in the weights at present.

Form: 4143-67

Only Money³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-3| J: Rex Dingle| T: C Gordon| OR: 112| D

17/2

Bumper/4-time winner over fences (at around 2m) in 2021/22. Lightly raced and largely disappointed since but step back in right direction when second of 6 at Newton Abbot 37 days ago. Lurking on a handy mark if he can back that up.

Form: P/44U-42

Calgary Tiger²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Reed| T: W De Best-Turner| OR: 105

12/1

Left hurdles form well behind when winning first 2 starts over fences early last year. Well held all 3 outings last season but back to form when 2½ lengths second of 8 to In This World at Worcester last month. Up against it from 6 lb out of the handicap here, however.

Form: 13/P79-2

Forecasts

Matterhorn (7/4), In This World (15/8), Only Money (17/2), Opening Bid (17/2), Sir Tivo (12/1), Calgary Tiger (12/1), Cracking Destiny (12/1)

IN THIS WORLD has taken well to chasing, deservedly off the mark over fences with a professional display at Worcester last month, and shades the vote over Matterhorn, who is 3 from 3 over fences but up against a total of 8 rivals. Last year's winner Sir Tivo is another to consider.