Pertemps Network Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 5m 53.67s

Gata Ban²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 97

9/2

Had a long absence prior to last season, but proved as good as ever over hurdles when winning at Hereford in February. Encouraging second in mares' handicap at Fakenham (21.2f, good to soft) on seasonal/chase debut last month and this Irish point winner is respected.

Form: 1/8641-2

Sir Carnegie¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Shane Fenelon⁽⁵⁾| T: M Bowen| OR: 96

18/5

Has shown improved form over fences last 2 starts, opening his account in novice handicap at Newcastle in October and following up in similar event at Kelso (23.4f, good to soft) 18 days ago. Can make a bold bid for the hat-trick.

Form: 954211

Kapamazov²⁰⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Danny McMenamin| T: L Morgan| OR: 89

5/2

Remains a maiden but came closer than ever when collared late on at Huntingdon (23.6f, good) in March. May have found run coming too soon at the same C&D 7 days later, though lesser effort at Uttoxeter when last seen in May. First run since leaving James Evans

Form: 63422-7

Lelant⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: Evan Williams| OR: 88| D

15/8

Having dropped a long way in the weights, justified support when finally getting off the mark in handicap chase at Hereford (20.9f, good to firm) 6 weeks ago, well on top finish. Remains well treated on old form and he can make his presence felt.

Form: 8PF36-1

Misteroddsocks⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: J M Quinlan| T: B I Case| OR: 87

20/1

Placed once from 3 starts in bumpers but little impact in novice/maiden hurdles. Made a bad mistake 5 out when pulled up in novice handicap at Lingfield (20f, good) on debut over fences 8 days ago. Has work to do.

Form: 3803-9P

Uncle Al³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁵⁾| T: J Bedi| OR: 83

14/1

Tailed off in a bumper during the spring and didn't offer much in 4 starts over hurdles. Finished a bit closer than previously when second of 6 in handicap at Sedgefield (21.1f, good) on chase debut last month, but plenty more needed.

Form: 0-PP302

Top Drawer²³

Age: 11| Weight: 10-2| J: James Best| T: Tracey Leeson| OR: 64

500/1

Long-standing maiden and fared no better tried chasing after 5 months off when pulled up in novice handicap at Plumpton (19.8f, good to soft) 23 days ago. Looks to be up against it.

Form: 9/0U-3PP

Forecasts

Lelant (15/8), Kapamazov (5/2), Sir Carnegie (18/5), Gata Ban (9/2), Uncle Al (14/1), Misteroddsocks (20/1), Top Drawer (500/1)

Preference is for SIR CARNEGIE, who made only his third start over fences a winning one at Newcastle last month before scoring again at Kelso. He can go on to land the hat-trick in his current form, though Gata Ban isn't taken lightly having made an encouraging chasing debut, while last-time-out winner Lelant remains on a handy mark.