William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Tom Cannon| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 117| D

Runner-up at Worcester last summer but hasn't built on that in only 2 starts since, looking rusty after 3 months off when pulled up at Wincanton (25.1f, heavy) 13 days ago. However, he's now dropped below last winning mark if blinkers have a positive effect.

Form: 25P-25P

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Heeztheboy²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Jack Hogan| T: G Hanmer| OR: 113| BF| CD

Much improved since joining current yard, winning 4 of first 5 starts this season including over C&D in November. Run of good form halted when well-beaten third at Leicester (22.7f, soft) 22 days ago, but it's too soon to be writing him off.

Form: 121113

Eaton Anne⁷¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 112| BF| D

Won back-to-back handicap hurdles last winter but progress has stalled since, again prominent in the market when last of 7 at Southwell (24.3f, good to soft) in December. However, was successful in his only Irish point, so he's not ruled out now chasing.

Form: 1175-47

Latenightrumble^p,t²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Andrews| T: T Ellis| OR: 112| CD

Made a winning handicap chase debut at this C&D in December 2024, but ended last term on a low key note and is yet to fire this season, eighth of 16 at Windsor (28.7f, soft) 24 days ago. Drops in grade though others more persuasive at present.

Form: 22P-588

Fenland Tiger^p1¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-5| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 110| D

Three-time chase winner in 2023/24 and making second start back from a lengthy absence he proved that he retains ability when runner-up at Carlisle in November. Stiff task next time, but lesser effort at Newcastle (23.4f, heavy) 15 days ago. Cheekpieces now reached for.

Form: 17/7204

Paddy O'Mahler^p⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Danny McMenamin| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 110| CD

Has quickly developed into a better chaser than hurdler in 4 starts this season, making it back-to-back wins when knuckling down well for success at Haydock (25.6f, good) 6 weeks ago. The front pair pulled clear last time and he's not taken lightly.

Form: 45-2211

Express Surprise^t²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Ned Fox⁽³⁾| T: C Boultbee-Brooks| OR: 107| CD

Took a step forward when doubling his tally at this C&D in December, before following up at Uttoxeter later the same month. Continued in good form when fourth of 16 at Windsor (28.7f, soft) 24 days ago and he's a major player back down slightly in grade.

Form: 43-3114

Forecasts

Paddy O'Mahler (11/8), Heeztheboy (5/1), Eaton Anne (6/1), Express Surprise (7/1), Pimlico Point (7/1), Fenland Tiger (8/1), Latenightrumble (16/1)

Preference is for EXPRESS SURPRISE who has taken his form up a notch this season, recording back-to-back wins before running well when fourth in a competitive contest at Windsor last time. He can gain a second C&D success, though Paddy O'Mahler is respected in his hat-trick bid, with Heeztheboy also in the mix as he bids for a fifth win of the campaign.