BetMGM Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 4m 7.57s

Master Chewy⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 154| D

5/2

Made into a very smart chaser last term when winning twice at 2m and signing off with a smashing second in Aintree Grade 1. Resumed with a good fourth in handicap at Ascot and whilst he fell halfway in last week's Tingle Creek, he's of interest back in calmer waters.

Form: 14F2-4F

Libberty Hunter²⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: Evan Williams| OR: 144| CD

7/2

Progressive sort who won 2m handicap chases at Wincanton/over C&D around the turn of the year. Good placed efforts on final 2 starts, latterly when third in Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in April. Could do better again this term given his low-mileage profile in this sphere.

Form: 5/F1123-

Third Time Lucki^t²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 142| CD

16/1

A smart chaser at his best for Dan Skelton in 2022/23 who joined present connections for £190,000 and shaped as if retaining plenty of ability after a lengthy absence when second in 4-runner handicap here (15.9f) 4 weeks ago. On a good mark if building on that.

Form: 63149/2

Etalon¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 137| D

13/2

Rapid improver sent chasing last term, winning first 3 starts before shaping better than bare result in Aintree Grade 1 on final start. Not at best in pair of starts since returning this autumn, beaten some way out when last of 9 in handicap at Newbury (16.4f) a fortnight ago.

Form: 1117-59

Issar D'Airy^p1¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-4| J: Freddie Mitchell⁽⁵⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 130| BF| D

5/2

Dual winner at Newbury last winter who posted a solid second on return to action at Ascot (16.7f) and not seen to best effect when fourth of 9 in handicap back at Newbury (16.4f) 2 weeks ago. Cheekpieces reached for now and he's worth a second look.

Form: 1155-24

Triple Trade^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 130| CD

7/1

Successful twice in 2023/24, including here. Good fifth in Red Rum at Aintree final start and seemingly regaining full fitness in pair of starts this winter, fourth of 8 in handicap chase at Ascot (16.8f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Handicapper is steadily easing his grip.

Form: 1585-64

Forecasts

Issar D'Airy (5/2), Master Chewy (5/2), Libberty Hunter (7/2), Etalon (13/2), Triple Trade (7/1), Third Time Lucki (16/1)

MASTER CHEWY needs to dispel a spill in last week's Tingle Creek but his overall profile over fences is very much a positive one and Nigel Twiston-Davies' 7-y-o looks a lead protagonist returned to handicap company. Libberty Hunter had an excellent first season over larger obstacles and it's feasible to think he can step forward again given his low-mileage profile. Issar d'Airy is another fancied to feature.