JCB Fastrac Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 5m 14.51s

Alcedo^p⁶⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Ned Fox⁽³⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 127| D

5/2

Low-mileage 8-y-o who has been in great form since fitted with cheekpieces, scoring at Newcastle (2m4f) in November before runner-up in 3m Doncaster handicap chase following month. Must enter calculations after a break.

Form: 413-912

Joker De Mai^t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Stan Sheppard| T: C Boultbee-Brooks| OR: 123| D

13/8

Successful twice for Harry Derham and signalled he is ready to strike for his current yard when a very good third of 7 in handicap chase at Ludlow (20f, soft) 16 days ago, losing significant ground when hampered after halfway. Big player off an unchanged mark with tongue strap back on.

Form: 1F-P643

Cabhfuilfungi^t²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Tom Cannon| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 123| D

16/5

Consistent sort who comes here on the back of a good second of 5 in handicap chase at Uttoxeter (16f, heavy) 27 days ago, sticking to his task. This fair hurdles/chase winner needs considering stepped back up in trip.

Form: 122-572

The Good Doctor⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 119

5/1

Went backwards from a reappearance third when fourth of 6 in handicap chase at Leicester (20.1f, good to soft) 72 days ago. Visor worn there is quickly dispensed with though so he can't be discounted in his bid for a maiden chase victory.

Form: 22P4-34

Palamon¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 118

14/1

A fairly useful hurdler/chaser in Ireland for Paul Nolan but yet to fire in two runs for his current yard, only sixth of 7 in handicap chase at Ludlow (20f, soft) 16 days ago. Could still do better though.

Form: 02F6-96

Forecasts

Joker De Mai (13/8), Alcedo (5/2), Cabhfuilfungi (16/5), The Good Doctor (5/1), Palamon (14/1)

None of these can be ruled out but the vote goes to JOKER DE MAI who didn't enjoy the rub of the green when a very good third at Ludlow last time out and can make amends off the same mark here. In-form top-weight Alcedo rates a big threat though after a break with relatively few miles still on the clock, while Cabhfuilfungi and The Good Doctor can have a say too.