Tim Barclay Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 8m 1.65s

Basford^v¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 105

11/4

Fair winner at 24f over hurdles. Only his second run in this sphere when a very good third of 11 in handicap chase at Sedgefield (26.3f, heavy) 19 days ago. Holds leading claims off the same mark.

Form: 1P7-643

River Tyne¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: James Davies| T: N J Gifford| OR: 103

8/1

Already a three-time chase winner this season, latest at Fontwell in December. Only fourth of 5 in handicap hurdle at Plumpton (25f, soft) 18 days ago but can't be ruled out back over fences.

Form: 3-11814

Lyrical Genius^p,t⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: S Bowen| T: Mrs S J Humphrey| OR: 100

11/10

Eighteen runs since last win in 2021 but a creditable third of 9 in handicap chase (7/1) at Uttoxeter (24f, heavy) 6 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Unreliable but has an interesting jockey booking.

Form: 3P-3353

Spotty Dog^p²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-6| J: Harry Reed| T: M Hawker| OR: 83

7/2

Took a step back in the right direction when fifth of 14 in handicap chase (100/1) at Taunton (23f, good to soft) 27 days ago. Cheekpieces again sported and this veteran is weighted to go well.

Form: 6/PPP-95

Non-Runners

Kadex²⁶

Weight: 10-5| Age: 7

T: A E Jones J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Lyrical Genius (11/10), Basford (11/4), Spotty Dog (7/2), River Tyne (8/1), Kadex (14/1)

BASFORD signalled he is ready to strike over fences when a very good recent third at Sedgefield so gets the vote. Veteran Spotty Dog rates a big threat though if building on his Taunton fifth last time out, with River Tyne also in the picture back chasing.