DragonBet Supports Safer Gambling Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 4m 59.87s

Imperial Bede^p¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 109| D

11/10

A fair ex-French hurdles/chase winner who bounced back to his best on second start following a lengthy absence when winning 7-runner handicap chase at Catterick (19.2f, soft, 11/4) 13 days ago. Cheekpieces worn then are retained and big shout up 4 lb provided this doesn't come too quick.

Form: 7634-41

Zestful Hope^p⁴¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: James Bowen| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 108| CD

7/2

Successful from 4 lb lower mark in this race 12 months ago and notched second success over fences when cosily landing a fast-ground Huntingdon handicap in October. Subsequent efforts have lacked spark, though his latest run over further here is best overlooked (raced closer to the pace than ideal).

Form: 615956

Passing Kate^p1²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 104| D

3/1

Won 2 of her 3 starts switched to chasing last season and returned in good heart, runner-up for third successive start at Chepstow (2m) over Christmas. Latest fourth of 5 in handicap here (2m) 4 weeks ago was disappointing but application of first-time cheekpieces could well sharpen her up.

Form: 1-22254

Wewillgowithplanb⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 104

8/1

Fairly useful dual winner over fences for Richard Bandey. Consistency never been his strong point but he did at least hint at a revival for present stable when third of 7 in handicap at Wincanton (15.7f, heavy) 8 days ago, making a big move into contention. Needs to build on that.

Form: F-48853

Zacony Rebel^b,t¹⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 10-9| J: James Best| T: S-J Davies| OR: 90

22/1

Veteran who got back on the scoresheet from a 2 lb higher mark at Huntingdon (23.6f, soft) in December but has found brief run of good form coming to a halt subsequently, again finishing well held when fourth back at that venue 17 days ago. Others make more appeal.

Form: 321894

Forecasts

Imperial Bede (11/10), Passing Kate (3/1), Zestful Hope (7/2), Wewillgowithplanb (8/1), Zacony Rebel (22/1)

IMPERIAL BEDE returned to something like his best with cheekpieces enlisted when scoring at Catterick 2 weeks ago and, remaining well treated on old form nudged up 4 lb, he looks to hold sound claims provided the quick turnaround doesn't catch him out. Passing Kate may well benefit from the application of first-time headgear and she's offered up for the forecast, ahead of last year's winner Zestful Hope.