Arthur & Peggy White Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:48 | Winning time: 6m 9.87s

Brave Kingdom^t⁶⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Freddie Gingell| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 128| C| D

9/4

Low-mileage 10-y-o who took well to fences when winning back-to-back handicaps on first 2 starts in this sphere in 2023. However, he has been pulled up on 3 of his 4 subsequent appearances, including on return at Newbury in November and while his current mark is an attractive one, he looks risky.

Form: 11P/3P-P

Royal Jewel³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 128

9/4

Got back on the up with 21f reappearance victory at Newton Abbot in October. Fine second of 4 at Ascot next time and latest third in a Chepstow handicap (19.4f, good to firm) was creditable but his stamina needs taking on trust now going beyond 21f for the first time under Rules.

Form: 23-1263

Bucksy Des Epeires⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 120| BF

7/2

Lingfield maiden hurdle winner in November 2023 and successful start over fences in a 4-runner novices' handicap on his reappearance last season. Rather disappointing since but the handicapper has given him a chance (now 1 lb below Ascot winning mark) and he will be a danger to all if bouncing back.

Form: 125P-44

Captain Boudet^b,t²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Chad Bament⁽⁷⁾| T: J Scott| OR: 110

5/2

Successful at Hereford and Exeter last season and left below-par reappearance behind when runner-up back at Hereford (25f, good to soft) 35 days ago. Pulled up at Newbury last time but was a good second on penultimate start (again at Hereford) and this return to a right-hand track will help.

Form: 1P1-72P

Non-Runners

Good Friday Fairy²⁵

Weight: 11-9| Age: 9

T: Ben Clarke J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Good Friday Fairy (7/4), Royal Jewel (9/4), Brave Kingdom (9/4), Captain Boudet (5/2), Bucksy Des Epeires (7/2)

CAPTAIN BOUDET's latest effort at Newbury was a shocker but the emerging pattern points to a strong preference for right-handed tracks where he is concerned and he gets the nod ahead of the consistent and likeable Good Friday Fairy, who probably doesn't hold any secrets from the handicapper but is more likely than most to run his race. If Bucksy des Epeires puts his best forward he'll have a real chance off this reduced mark, while Brave Kingdom looks risky and Royal Jewel's stamina is unproven.