RSA Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 5m 45.99s

Dark Mix²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 95

17/2

Bumper winner who failed to progress from hurdling debut in 2 subsequent runs in that sphere and produced a low-key display when pulled up on chase debut at Market Rasen (23.9f) 3 weeks ago. Has it to prove now.

Form: 16-5P4P

River Run Free^t¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 87| CD

2/5

Well held in novice/maiden hurdles towards the end of 2024 but different proposition sent chasing with a tongue strap added, following up his Lingfield victory with the minimum fuss in 8-runner C&D handicap 12 days ago. Lead claims fin hat-trick bid from 6 lb higher mark.

Form: 2-77011

Ultra Viers^t¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Bannister| T: P Taylor| OR: 87

28/1

Runner-up twice in hunter chases over C&D. However, remains a long-standing maiden under Rules and he offered little back from 9 months off when pulled up in race won by River Run Free here 12 days ago. Passed over.

Form: FD26-6P

Fine Investment²⁸⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Tom Broughton⁽⁵⁾| T: F Brennan| OR: 85

16/1

Point winner who unseated in a Cheltenham hunter in May and did too much in front when last of 4 at Perth (23.8f) later that month. Returns from 9 months off having rejoined former stable but more needed if he's to open his account under Rules.

Form: 4122-U4

Everyonesacritic^p¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 84| D

9/2

Winning hurdler who matched pick of form in that sphere when winning 11-runner handicap chase at Hereford (20.9f) 2 weeks ago. A repeat should see him thereabouts again up 5 lb.

Form: 384231

Forecasts

River Run Free (2/5), Everyonesacritic (9/2), Dark Mix (17/2), Fine Investment (16/1), Ultra Viers (28/1)

RIVER RUN FREE has looked a different proposition switched to larger obstacles, following up his breakthrough Lingfield victory with the minimum of fuss over C&D 12 days ago. He holds obvious claims again with further progress distinctly possible. Fellow last-time-out winner Everyonesacritic comfortably rates the chief threat.