Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 4m 55.46s

Bourbali²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 126| D

10/3

Off 6 months before an encouraging third of 5 in handicap chase (13/8) at Kempton (18f, good to firm) 20 days ago. This fairly useful 2m2f chase winner is weighted to go well off a 2 lb lower mark.

Form: 3345-33

Jaramillo⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 120| D

14/1

Scored at Newton Abbot in April but below par last two runs, only fifth of 6 in handicap chase at Fontwell (19.5f, good to firm) 47 days ago. Unreliable sort.

Form: 321-365

Sayva²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 119| D

15/2

A fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner who shaped as if in need of the run after 5 months off when fourth of 6 in handicap chase at Kempton (18f, good to firm, 10/1) on his debut over fences 20 days ago. Can take a step forward now.

Form: 112P-64

Abingworth^h¹²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: H Cobden| T: James Owen| OR: 113| CD

11/4

C&D winner who got off the mark for his current yard at Market Rasen in June. Faced a stiff task on the Flat at Beverley following month and can't be ruled out back in this sphere.

Form: 311-U21

Nickelforce²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: J M Quinlan| T: B I Case| OR: 110| BF| D

6/1

Won his first 2 starts over fences in 2024/25 and has been shaping up well this season, runner-up for the fourth time at Market Rasen (2m5f) 25 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up once more.

Form: 324322

Tapley^t1¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: Isabelle Ryder⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 109

5/2

A fairly useful 2m hurdles winner who wasn't discredited when third of 6 in 2m handicap at Plumpton 19 days ago. Tongue tied reverted to fences now and not dismissed.

Form: 0065-63

Non-Runners

Lord Baddesley²

Weight: 12-2| Age: 10

T: A J Honeyball J: Rex Dingle

Forecasts

Tapley (5/2), Abingworth (11/4), Bourbali (10/3), Nickelforce (6/1), Lord Baddesley (7/1), Sayva (15/2), Jaramillo (14/1)

A case can be made for most of these but BOURBALI made an encouraging return from a lay-off when third at Kempton and can capitalise on a 2 lb lower mark. Nickelforce seems sure to go well but could have to settle for second placing once more, while Tapley and Abingworth can also have a say.