Nick Embiricos Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:59 | Winning time: 5m 17.60s

War Lord^p¹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 127| C

5/4

Has tumbled in the weights and lurks on an appealing mark as a result of a barren spell, shaping well back in cheekpieces when third of 8 in handicap hurdle at Exeter (18.5f, good) 11 days ago, ideally needing a stronger gallop. Considered back over the larger obstacles.

Form: F-83U43

Menaggio¹⁶⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 122

1/1

Made it third time lucky over hurdles in a 21.7f Hereford novice in January. Well backed on handicap debut after 8 weeks off and resumed progress when finding just one too strong at Kempton (21f, good to soft) back in May, edged out only on run-in. Worth a look on return/chase debut.

Form: 6/5213-2

Sainte Doctor^p,t⁵⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 118| C| D

7/1

Flat/3-time hurdle winner and, following a low-key start over fences, she duly capitalised on reduced mark at Chepstow (19.5f) in April 2023. Bolted up in 4-runner event at Ludlow (20f, good to soft) later that month but not seen since. Watching brief advised given the absence.

Form: P84211/

Non-Runners

Prince Quali²⁰³

Weight: 12-0| Age: 7

T: R Walford J: Harry Kimber

Icare Grandchamp¹¹⁸

Weight: 10-6| Age: 6

T: G & J Moore J: Caoilin Quinn

Forecasts

Menaggio (1/1), War Lord (5/4), Prince Quali (9/4), Icare Grandchamp (4/1), Sainte Doctor (7/1)

Cases can be made for most, but the vote goes to WAR LORD, who has race fitness on his side and recent exploits over hurdles suggest he should remain competitive back over the larger obstacles. Prince Quali has been progressive since joining Robert Walford and he rates as a major danger chasing a hat-trick on return, with Icare Grandchamp, who opened his account at Newton Abbot back in the summer, rounding off the shortlist.