William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:46 | Winning time: 3m 53.82s

Haddex Des Obeaux⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 148

22/1

Proved most progressive over fences in 2022/23 for Gary Moore when a dual 2m scorer at Doncaster/Warwick and also a fine third to Jonbon in Tingle Creek at Sandown. However, absent 23 months prior to a low-key stable debut run in Grade 2 Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November. This will reveal more.

Form: 211F3/P

Madara³⁷⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: C J Todd| T: D Skelton| OR: 140| BF

11/2

Much improved for Sophie Leech during 2023/24, winning pair of good handicaps at Cheltenham/Leopardstown. Lightly campaigned subsequently and he shaped well in both Paddy Power/December Gold Cup upon joining Dan Skelton last winter. Intriguing candidate back from 12 months off.

Form: 119/842-

Homme Public^b,t²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Craig Nichol| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 137| CD

11/1

Three-time chase winner (including over C&D) during 2023/24 campaign and back on the scoresheet over hurdles at Doncaster (19.4f) last winter. Runner-up on final 3 runs of last term but struggled to competitive in 2 runs over fences/hurdles so far this campaign.

Form: 6222-66

Harper's Brook^p²²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Harry Atkins⁽⁷⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 133| CD

8/1

Built on a good second in refitted cheekpieces when landing this race from a 3 lb higher mark 12 months ago. Form essentially tailed off thereafter but likely needed first start for 7 months minus usual headgear (refitted now) when down the field at Exeter 22 days ago. Yard also saddle Madara.

Form: 143P7-5

Doyen Du Bar²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Callum Bewley| T: N G Richards| OR: 132

10/11

Progressed again last season, winning 3 small-field events for Pauline Robson. Off 9 months, shaped promisingly starting out for new yard when good third of 10 in handicap chase at Newbury (16.4f) 28 days ago. Shortlist material with that under his belt.

Form: 31121-3

Traprain Law^t²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: P W Wadge| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 130

4/1

Had a good first season over fences in 2023/24, winning 2 of his 5 starts. Couldn't add to his tally last term but returned in good order, posting a creditable second of 9 in handicap chase (11/2) at Kelso (17.1f, soft) 20 days ago. Likely he can be competitive again.

Form: 37P-242

Forecasts

Doyen Du Bar (10/11), Traprain Law (4/1), Madara (11/2), Harper's Brook (8/1), Homme Public (11/1), Haddex Des Obeaux (22/1)

A progressive 3-time winner last season, DOYEN DU BAR made a bright start for the Nicky Richards stable when third on his reappearance at Newbury 4 weeks ago. It's feasible to think he can build on that and he shades preference over the returning Madara, who is a fascinating contender down in class. Traprain Law is also respected as an in-form sort.