Magnavale Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:20 | Winning time: 6m 9.0s

Stratagem^t²⁷⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: James Bowen| T: M Bowen| OR: 119| C| D

40/1

Useful sort who made all in 3m Southwell hunter in May 2022 but didn't get near that level in a handful of subsequent appearances for Paul Nicholls and failed to complete (pulled up) back from almost 10 months off at Stratford. Lots to prove for his new handler.

Form: 4144/4P-

The Boola Boss^t²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Jamie Brace⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 117| D

14/1

Ended last season with wins at Newbury and Chepstow but yet to hit top form in 3m handicaps at Chepstow and Ascot this autumn. More is required in a refitted tongue strap.

Form: P311-48

Top Target⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 115| D

11/10

Low-mileage winning pointer/hurdler who shaped well on his fencing debut when third of 8 in handicap at Wetherby (19.4f, good) 41 days ago. This step back up in trip should suit so he's a likely player.

Form: 124P/4-3

Silver Thorn³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 115

4/1

A fairly useful 22f winner over hurdles at his best but had a wind op before coming in a well-held fifth of 8 in handicap chase at Lingfield (20f, good) on his debut over fences 31 days ago. Lots more is required.

Form: 1532P-5

Lilting Verse^t⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Fern O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 115| D

17/2

Unreliable individual but resumed from 6 months off/breathing surgery with a good second of 13 in handicap chase at Ffos Las (25.3f, good to soft) 45 days ago, conceding first run. Needs considering.

Form: P5225-2

Ladronne^t¹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-2| J: Jack Power⁽⁵⁾| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 115| CD

11/4

C&D scorer who readily resumed winning ways in 6-runner handicap chase at Sedgefield (21.1f, soft) 18 days ago. Up 5 lb but this veteran is not taken lightly in his current mood.

Form: 4411-61

Non-Runners

Gaelic Rambler²³⁵

Weight: 11-3| Age: 5

T: J & A O'Neill J: R T Dunne

Forecasts

Top Target (11/10), Ladronne (11/4), Silver Thorn (4/1), Gaelic Rambler (8/1), Lilting Verse (17/2), The Boola Boss (14/1), Stratagem (40/1)

TOP TARGET made a promising start in this sphere when third at Wetherby and is fancied to build on it here and add to his previous pointing/hurdling successes. Veteran Ladronne is feared most on the back of his comfortable Sedgefield win, although Lilting Verse returned with an encouraging Ffos Las second and can also have a say.