bet365 Handicap Chase

Off time: 18:41 | Winning time: 4m 58.0s

Desert Halo⁷⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 105WS

9/1

Placed on first of 2 starts in points and promise in trio of bumpers. Fair form at best in handful of maiden/novice hurdles during the winter and undergone wind surgery ahead of this handicap/chase debut. Interesting if the market spoke in his favour.

Form: 462444-

Jimmyjeroo¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: R P McLernon| T: Miss H C Knight| OR: 92

3/1

Telescope gelding who took advantage of a drop in the weights when making his second start over fences a winning one in 7-runner handicap at Hereford (20.9f) 2 weeks ago. Claims with a repeat nudged up 4 lb.

Form: 4P6P61-

Jack Sparrow Grey^p,t²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 87| CD

1/1

Didn't show much in handful of runs over hurdles but proved a different proposition equipped with cheekpieces when making a winning handicap chase debut over C&D 26 days ago, doing well to overcome a significant error 3 out. Big shout with prospect of more to come.

Form: 57/7P01-

Extraordinary Man²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 10-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 81

8/1

On a losing run and he failed to build on one of his better runs when well held fourth of 8 to Jack Sparrow Grey in handicap chase at this C&D (good) 26 days ago. Probably vulnerable for win purposes again.

Form: 423P34-

Gorcombe Moonshine^p¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Kimber| T: R Walford| OR: 74| C

7/1

Sole victory came over fences here back in December 2023 but plenty of creditable placed efforts largely campaigned over hurdles last season. Possibly stretched by the trip when well held at Chepstow (23.6f) latest and better showing not ruled out returned to chasing, albeit from out of the weights.

Form: 823730-

Forecasts

Jack Sparrow Grey (1/1), Jimmyjeroo (3/1), Gorcombe Moonshine (7/1), Extraordinary Man (8/1), Desert Halo (9/1)

JACK SPARROW GREY was much improved and did well to overcome a serious mistake 3 out when making his first chase start a winning one over C&D 26 days ago. He can make a bold bid to follow-up with further progress anticipated, with fellow last-time-out winner Jimmyjeroo next best. Desert Halo is interesting on handicap chase debut and market confidence behind him would look significant.