Sandcliff Cromer Novices' Handicap Chase

5YO plus | Class 5 | 2m 5f 44y | 5 Runners | Turf

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: R T Dunne| T: T R Gretton| OR: 85| C

Well supported when easily opening his account over hurdles (2½m, soft) on this card last year. Has shown a bit over fences this term and perhaps a return to this venue off reduced mark could spark a bigger performance.

Form: 714-354

Uncle Al^p⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁵⁾| T: J Bedi| OR: 85| D

Fitted with cheekpieces and much improved when getting up late in Sedgefield handicap chase (21.1f) a month ago. Easy to back and well beaten at Catterick on Sunday but probably worth another chance back up in trip.

Form: 302516

Imperial Pride^t¹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: David Dennis| OR: 80

Multiple point winner in first half of 2024 but winless under Rules and has offered little in 2 runs back this winter after a lengthy absence. All to prove.

Form: 1163-PP

Three Zambezi's²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams| OR: 78

Poor maiden hurdler but has a pointing background and certainly not over-faced for chase debut.

Form: 89F3-0P

Honneur De Sivola^p,t³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Benjamin Poste| T: C Hobson| OR: 72

Point winner who finished second 4 times over fences in 2023, but has lost his way.

Form: 375-366

Forecasts

Uncle Al (5/2), Crac De Megaudais (11/4), Three Zambezi's (7/2), Honneur De Sivola (9/2), Imperial Pride (11/2)

CRAC DE MEGAUDAIS returns to the scene of his sole success over hurdles on this card last year and it would be no surprise to see him go well off a reduced mark having shown aptitude for chasing. Uncle Al could bounce back, while Three Zambezi's isn't without interest now starting out over the larger obstacles.