Pertemps Network Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 4m 7.11s

Petit Tonnerre¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: K Brogan| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 133| D

10/1

Race run to suit when notching career-best success in listed handicap at the Punchestown Festival last spring. Likely to have needed his subsequent two starts but he isn't the easiest to catch right and ideally needs a stronger pace.

Form: 1B91-96

Harper's Brook^p²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Skelton| OR: 129

8/1

Often promises more than he delivers, as was the case when third at Wetherby in December. That remains a standout effort from 3 starts this season but he's been given a chance by the handicapper.

Form: 3P7-535

Western General^t⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 128| DWS

5/2

Successful in a trio of 2m handicap chases last season but has struggled in better races since, including over longer trip here last time. Has undergone another breathing operation in interim (won first start after wind surgery last year).

Form: 11P-764

Dr T J Eckleburg^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 120| CD

5/4

Winner of corresponding race off 5 lb higher mark in 2025 and confirmed that he's back in good form when third behind unexposed sort at Sandown 3 weeks ago. Has plenty in his favour.

Form: 687633

Jaipaletemps^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: C O'Farrell| T: D Pipe| OR: 118| BF| D

9/2

Developed fine partnership with stable conditional, progressing to win fourth race in previous 5 starts at Taunton last month. Most recent Uttoxeter run can be overlooked (bad mistake seventh) but faces further rise in grade here.

Form: 113114

Non-Runners

Martator²¹

Weight: 12-0| Age: 9

T: Miss V Williams J: Charlie Deutsch

Forecasts

Dr T J Eckleburg (5/4), Western General (5/2), Jaipaletemps (9/2), Martator (5/1), Harper's Brook (8/1), Petit Tonnerre (10/1)

Back below his last winning mark, this looks a good opportunity for MARTATOR to notch another win for the resurgent Venetia Williams team. Dr T J Eckleburg is 5 lb lower than when successful in this race last year and looks the main danger following a return to form, while Harper's Brook isn't one for maximum faith but has been given a chance by the handicapper.