Birthday Bonanza Mares' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 5m 0.78s

Sainte Doctor^p,t²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 117| CD

5/6

Successful final 2 starts of 2022/23 campaign before an 18-month absence. Below par initially this season but back on track since returning from a short break in February, bagging handicaps at Fakenham and Stratford. Remains feasibly treated and bold show likely as she bids for the hat-trick.

Form: 1/35311

Regal Renaissance⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: H D Daly| OR: 114| BF| C| D

5/2

Reliable mare who resumed winning ways in a 7-runner handicap chase at Warwick in November. Couldn't get to grips with the enterprisingly-ridden Sacre Coeur over this C&D last time but that was a decent effort nonetheless and she should make her presence felt.

Form: 241462

Happy D'ex^p1²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 109| D

28/1

Dual hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott in 2022 but she hasn't shown much in a handful of runs for present connections and record in this sphere stands at 0-9. Cheekpieces applied.

Form: 2/6P6-63

Trapista⁶⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: K Brogan| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 107| CD

10/3

Recorded final leg of her hat-trick last spring when nailing Regal Renaissance on the line over this C&D 11 months ago. Yet to fire this season but now on a good mark as a consequence and, given that this is clearly her time of year, it would be no surprise were she to bounce back with a big run.

Form: 1125FP

Forecasts

Sainte Doctor (5/6), Regal Renaissance (5/2), Trapista (10/3), Happy D'ex (28/1)

Though well held in three starts since returning from a break in November, TRAPISTA made a similarly inauspicious start to last season before returning to form during the spring. She is now 3 lb lower than for her narrow C&D verdict over the re-opposing Regal Renaissance last May and gets the nod ahead of the in-form Sainte Doctor, who is also owned by JP McManus. Regal Renaissance usually gives her running and should also be in the mix.