Val And Kath Bollado Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 2.81s

Genois¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 125

20/1

Having previously been trained in Ireland, made second start for current yard a winning one in handicap chase at Wetherby (19.4f, good) in November. However, he hasn't gone on from that effort since, last of 7 at Newbury (23.4f, good) 15 days ago.

Form: 3164P7

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Special Rate^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Lizzie Quinlan| OR: 125| C| D

13/2

Enjoyed a most productive campaign over hurdles/fences last term, winning 7 from 10 starts for Philip Kirby. Best effort for current trainer when second to Cerendipity in handicap chase at this course (23.4f, good) last time, clear of the rest, so he's one to note.

Form: 38-U752

Choosethenews⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: M Walford| OR: 125| BF| CD

5/4

Point/hurdles winner who opened chase account at the third attempt in this corresponding race last year. Runner-up 3 times this season, before unsuited by the step up in distance when fifth of 17 in the Eider (good) here last time. Major player back down in trip/grade.

Form: 1-22P25

Flic Ou Voyou^p¹¹¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-13| J: Ryan Mania| T: H Hogarth| OR: 124| CD

22/1

Has found his form again for present yard, winning over C&D in October before following up in veterans' event at Carlisle. Found it tougher in his hat-trick bid when fourth of 7 back at Carlisle (20.9f, soft) in December, but better ground should suit after a break.

Form: P22114

Cerendipity²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽³⁾| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 123| C| D

11/4

Has been holding his form well since his reappearance, capitalising on the drop in grade when landing the odds (following another wind op) in 4-runner handicap at this course (23.4f, good) 3 weeks ago by ¾ length from Special Rate. Respected.

Form: 1-62241

Immortal Fame^p²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Jordan Nailor| T: Deborah Cole| OR: 122| BF| D

5/1

Has thrived given another try over fences for current yard, completing the hat-trick at Southwell (20.4f) in February. Ran well despite jumping left when third at Leicester (22.7f, good to soft) last time, so he should be suited by return to left-handed track.

Form: P-21113

Five Dollar Fine¹³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: Conor Rabbitt⁽³⁾| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 113

20/1

Made it 3 wins in 4 starts when scoring at Carlisle (15.9f, good to soft) in October. Not in the same form back up in trip next 2 starts, but after 4 months off he ran poorly returned to the shorter distance at Carlisle 13 days ago. Others preferred.

Form: 13156P

Forecasts

Choosethenews (5/4), Cerendipity (11/4), Immortal Fame (5/1), Special Rate (13/2), Five Dollar Fine (20/1), Genois (20/1), Flic Ou Voyou (22/1)

Having won this race last year, CHOOSETHENEWS had been shaping up well this season with a trio of runner-up finishes, before finding the longer trip in the Eider too much last time, so he is well worth another chance back down in distance. He is preferred to Cerendipity, who can confirm the placings with Special Rate from when the pair met here 3 weeks ago.