Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 6m 34.20s

Mr Vango^t,p⁵⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Tudor| T: S Bradstock| OR: 155| BF| C| D

4/1

Thrived last season, landing the London National at this course, Peter Marsh at Haydock and Midlands Grand National. Ran at least as well when beaten only a short head in the Becher at Aintree (25.8f, soft) on return and can make another bold bid with conditions to suit.

Form: 3P/111-2

Nassalam^b⁷⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 145| DWS

18/1

Smart chaser at best, recording a wide-margin success in Welsh Grand National (heavy) in 2023. Has struggled since, though, pulled up on 5 of his last 6 starts. Back down to last winning mark but a wind op needs to help spark a return to form.

Form: P0/PP-PP

Pic Roc^p⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 134| BF| D

7/2

Finally opened chase account at Huntingdon in November and better than the result in premier handicaps both starts since, making a bad mistake 4 out when down the field in Silver Cup at Ascot (23.8f, good to soft) 6 weeks ago. Can make his presence felt.

Form: P6-U159

Blackjack Magic^t²⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-3| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 130| D

12/1

Winner of the Badger Beers at Wincanton in 2023/24, but pulled up 3 consecutive starts from May 2024. However, after 11 months off he took a step back in the right direction when fifth of 9 in veterans' event at this C&D (good) 28 days ago. Task is now to build on latest effort.

Form: 5FP/PP-5

Fortunate Man^t,p³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: H Cobden| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 128| D

11/10

Took his form up a level sent chasing in 2024/25, including success in an Aintree handicap (25f, soft) on Boxing Day. After 10 months off (cheekpieces reapplied), won the same Aintree race (good) for the second year running last time and he's not taken lightly.

Form: 21234-1

Hunter Legend²³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: Miss Lucy Turner⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 126

10/1

Five-time winner over fences who soon bounced back from a lesser effort when third of 6 at Ludlow in December. However, he couldn't build on that effort when filling the same position at Ffos Las (23.8f, heavy) 23 days ago. More needed from out of the weights.

Form: 51-6833

Forecasts

Fortunate Man (11/10), Pic Roc (7/2), Mr Vango (4/1), Hunter Legend (10/1), Blackjack Magic (12/1), Nassalam (18/1)

MR VANGO proved better than ever last season, winning all 3 starts, and picked up where he left off when just denied in the Becher at Aintree in December. He is taken to add to his tally, though Fortunate Man got back on the up when making a successful return and is respected, with Pic Roc also in the mix.