Warwick Supports British Breeding Veterans' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:47 | Winning time: 6m 16.49s

Gabbys Cross²⁰³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: James Bowen| T: Nick Scholfield| OR: 134| D

13/2

On long losing run but retains plenty of enthusiasm for the game (runner-up 3 of last 6 starts). Hasn't been seen over fences since September 2023 but was smart back in the day and he could make his mark starting out for new connections switched to veterans' company.

Form: 2208/20-

Torn And Frayed²⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 132| CD

7/4

Not always the most sure-footed but avoided mistakes when landing this corresponding race last year. Needed no second invitation to capitalise on a terrible mistake from one of his rivals to go in again at Aintree (25f, good) 25 days ago and should remain competitive from 4 lb higher.

Form: 5169-31

Hillcrest²⁷²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: David Bass| T: H D Daly| OR: 130| D

7/2

Useful novice hurdler and, after over 2½ years off, was an encouraging fourth at Haydock (21.6f) on chase debut 12 months ago. However, it's fair to say things haven't gone as planned in this sphere since and now makes his reappearance in veterans' company

Form: 1P/4PU3-

Nocte Volatus^t¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 130

11/4

Landed a brace of handicap chases (5 months apart) during first half of last season and remained in form thereafter, twice a runner-up prior to making a few errors when fourth at Haydock (19.9f) in February. Found the National fences getting in the way on return but big shout in this company.

Form: 11224-F

Omar Maretti^p³⁵¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-2| J: Kielan Woods| T: A M Hales| OR: 124| D

7/1

Landed a gamble when capitalising on further drop in the weights at Catterick (25.2f) in February 2024. Well supported and ran respectably after 7 months at Haydock last December and the handicapper has given him a chance on return for all he's likely to need this outing.

Form: 41335/4-

Forecasts

Torn And Frayed (7/4), Nocte Volatus (11/4), Hillcrest (7/2), Gabbys Cross (13/2), Omar Maretti (7/1)

Cases can be made for most, but the verdict goes to TORN AND FRAYED, who recorded a second success in veterans' company at Aintree last month and a 4 lb rise may not be enough to prevent him following up. Heading up the dangers is Nocte Volatus, who found the National fences a shock to the system on return earlier this month. Stable-switcher Gabbys Cross rounds off the shortlist back chasing for the first time in ages.