Howden Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 4m 55.9s

Solo^t⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 145

12/1

A dual 2m4f chase winner in 2022/23 who has been very lightly raced since, off 7 months/given breathing operation prior to finishing well held last of 10 in handicap chase here (23.8f) in November. Drop back in trip in his favour now and better showing anticipated.

Form: 1P/226-0

Galop De Chasse²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 133| BF

13/2

8-y-o who won his only start of last season at Newbury (19.8f) in November and posted creditable efforts both starts since returning from 12 months off, third of 9 in handicap chase back at that track/trip 22 days ago. Can give his best again from unchanged mark.

Form: P23/1-23

Black Gerry^p1²⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: N F Houlihan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 132| C| D

16/1

Won all 4 of his starts (at up to 19.8f) when completing during 2022/23. Found things tougher last term, not figuring in Red Rum at Aintree on final start but this test rates more suitable on seasonal bow (has gone well fresh). Cheekpieces replace blinkers.

Form: P5PF29-

Kotmask²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 130

13/8

A three-time scorer over fences last term who has returned with solid placed efforts behind the upwardly-mobile Martator over the extended 2m trip here last month. Return to this longer trip well within range and he holds claims provided he keeps the errors at bay.

Form: 1F34-32

Scarface^p²²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: J Tizzard| OR: 130| C

7/2

Thrived over fences when cheekpieces went on, winning 3 times around 2½m between January and April. Stepped up on opening efforts this term with a creditable second of 9 in handicap chase at Newbury (19.8f) 3 weeks ago and he's a player from this sort of mark.

Form: 113-542

Prince Quali²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Harry Kimber| T: R Walford| OR: 128

10/3

Useful French hurdle/chase scorer who ended last term on the up for this yard, landing back-to-back handicaps at Chepstow (2m). Solid return following 8 months off when third at Newbury (16.4f) 3 weeks ago and this reliable sort can go well again back up in trip.

Form: 52211-3

Carbon King^t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 124| D

33/1

Three-time winner over hurdles in Ireland and landed 2 chase victories for this yard last term. Stepped up on reappearance run when fourth of 7 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (20f) 4 weeks back but this looks a tough enough ask back over larger obstacles.

Form: PPF1-94

Forecasts

Kotmask (13/8), Prince Quali (10/3), Scarface (7/2), Galop De Chasse (13/2), Solo (12/1), Black Gerry (16/1), Carbon King (33/1)

SCARFACE ran his best race since the spring from his reduced mark when runner-up at Newbury 22 days ago and a repeat gives him good claims for the stable that landed this prize 12 months ago. Kotmask and Galop de Chasse are feared most in what is a competitive affair.