Tom Jones Live At Chester Racecourse Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 17:00 | Winning time: 5m 35.60s

Galop De Chasse⁶⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Ned Fox⁽³⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 121| D

6/1

Well handicapped on old form but badly out of sorts last season and didn't show much encouragement at Chepstow on his reappearance in December. On the upside, the stable is going as well now as it has all this term.

Form: 3P4PP-5

Ostend²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Hogan| T: A Ralph| OR: 118

5/1

Maiden hurdle winner in Ireland who capitalised on a falling mark and the run of the race when opening his account over fences at Market Rasen in March. Pulled up at Perth the following month but entitled to strip fitter for his recent comeback (following a breathing op) at Southwell.

Form: PF31P-3

Bowenspark⁵⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Stan Sheppard| T: H D Daly| OR: 116| BF

6/4

Ungenuine type who made a much better fist of things ridden positively on his second try chasing when second in Southwell handicap (20.4f, good to soft) in December. However, rather predictably failed to back that up at Haydock next time.

Form: 662-P25

Casual Observer³⁸⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 113| D

13/8

Well-made gelding who confirmed the promise of his 2024/25 reappearance when winning 7-runner handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (20f, heavy) 12 months ago. Not seen since but fitness rarely an issue with this yard and very much the type to progress further now sent chasing (runner-up in sole point).

Form: 4255/51-

Non-Runners

Kykorock³⁹

Weight: 11-2| Age: 6

T: D Skelton J: Harry Skelton

Forecasts

Bowenspark (6/4), Casual Observer (13/8), Kykorock (13/8), Ostend (5/1), Galop De Chasse (6/1)

CASUAL OBSERVER has a year-long absence to overcome but he very much appeals as the type to progress further now sent chasing given his imposing physique, so he looks worth siding with to come out on top. Kykorock shaped well in his hat-trick bid from a less-than-ideal position at Haydock and is feared most with the step back up in trip unlikely to prove an issue.