Betfred Last Fling Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 8m 8.20s

The Big Breakaway^p³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: Anthony Charlton| OR: 128

11/2

It's 19 runs since his last win in 2020 but he got back on track when a 25/1-second of 10 in staying handicap chase at Ascot (29.4f, good to soft) 37 days ago. Needs to back it up now.

Form: PP66-P2

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Gaboriot¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 128| BF

10/3

Has a superb strike rate in recent times and posted a good third in the Grand Sefton at Aintree in November. Not at his best when a well-backed sixth in 3m handicap chase at Doncaster 16 days ago but he's the sort to bounce back.

Form: 1U-1136

Montgomery²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Shane Quinlan⁽³⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 127| BF

6/4

Winning hurdler for Christian Williams. Scored 3 times sent chasing for his new yard last term and resumed with a solid fifth of 10 in handicap chase at Sandown (28.7f) 23 days ago. Remains low mileage in this sphere and a big player.

Form: 41119-5

The Two Amigos²⁶

Age: 12| Weight: 11-8| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 122| D

20/1

Gained his first win since 2019 in 2022 Welsh National. Only twice raced since but prominent long way when pulled up in handicap chase here (25.6f, soft) 26 days ago. This likeable veteran needs considering off a reduced mark with that run under his belt.

Form: 27317/P

Fantastikas^p,t²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 120

8/1

On a losing sequence but he recorded a solid third of 9 in handicap chase at Uttoxeter (24f, soft) 20 days ago. Can't be discounted.

Form: 0/623-P3

Valleres³²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Ned Fox⁽³⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 116

10/1

Unreliable type who has been pulled up in handicap chases at Aintree and Lingfield on his last two runs. Stable is among the winners but he needs to take a big step forward after 10 months off.

Form: 6310/PP-

Saint Xavier^p,t²¹

Age: 12| Weight: 10-6| J: Charlie Maggs⁽⁵⁾| T: R Hobson| OR: 106| C

9/1

Course winner but this veteran has yet to hit top form in handicap chases at Fontwell (27f) and Lingfield (20f) this winter. Cheekpieces go back on with plenty more required.

Form: 86/P4-54

Forecasts

Montgomery (6/4), Gaboriot (10/3), The Big Breakaway (11/2), Fantastikas (8/1), Saint Xavier (9/1), Valleres (10/1), The Two Amigos (20/1)

MONTGOMERY was quick to make his mark sent chasing for Venetia Williams last season and can build on a good reappearance Sandown fifth to resume winning ways. Likeable veteran The Two Amigos could take a sizeable step forward and emerge as the main danger with a recent run here under his belt, although Fantastikas and Gaboriot merit respect too in an open-looking handicap.