BetTom Supports The Bentswood Hub Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 4m 19.44s

Non Stop^t⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 117| C

5/2

Improved to win handicap hurdle at Wincanton in December before making his presence felt when seventh of 15 in a stronger handicap at Ascot 52 days ago despite a career-high mark. Returns to chasing and ran well when second in this race last season. Respected.

Form: 522-317

Cobbler's Boy^t¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 115

20/1

Cost £115,000 after finishing runner-up in an Irish point. Won maiden hurdle at Warwick last May but has struggled since, finishing last of 5 on chasing debut there (7/2) 17 days ago, dropped out having taken a strong hold and no response. Should do better at some stage for top yard.

Form: 2/82-185

Alto Alto^v³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Freddie Gordon| T: C Gordon| OR: 108| CD

3/1

Won previous two renewals of this race but has been out of sorts this season, ninth of 11 in handicap chase at Exeter (33/1) 31 days ago having led until early in the straight. Visor back on and remains below last winning mark. Worth a market check back at Plumpton where all 3 career wins have come.

Form: 5714-59

Icare Grandchamp²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 108

5/4

Stepped up on his second run since returning from 13 months off, finishing second of 8 in handicap chase at Haydock (4/1) 23 days ago, pressing leader in run-in and only narrowly denied by improving novice. Drops back in trip but clearly in the form to win a race of this nature.

Form: 2131-52

It's Easy²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 108

11/1

Won a weak handicap chase at Bangor 72 days ago but has disappointed in two runs since. Seventh of 8 in handicap at Fakenham (9/2) 22 days ago, made mistakes and struggled from 5 out. Back down in trip from 21f but will appreciate testing conditions.

Form: 35-3187

Forecasts

Icare Grandchamp (5/4), Non Stop (5/2), Alto Alto (3/1), It's Easy (11/1), Cobbler's Boy (20/1)

ICARE GRANDCHAMP stepped up on his second run after 13 months off when narrowly denied at Haydock 23 days ago and is clearly in the form to win a handicap at this level. Non Stop improved when winning over hurdles in December and returns to chasing having finished second in this race last year, while Alto Alto (won this previous 2 years) and Cobbler's Boy likely have a better chance than recent form figures would suggest.