CopyBet John Bigg 'Oxo' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

5YO plus | Class 3 | 2m 3f 189y | 6 Runners | Turf

Has won the last 2 renewals of this race but he's not straightforward, running a moody race when pulled up at Hexham (20.1f, good to soft) on return. Absent again since (has had a wind op) ahead of first run since leaving Henry Daly. Tongue strap added.

Form: 34P10-P

Mahons Glory⁴⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-13| J: Lee Edwards| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 133| BF| D

15/8

Has looked a reformed character for current yard, making a bold bid when fourth of 17 in Grand Sefton at Aintree and second to a thriving rival at Market Rasen (21.4f, soft) 6 weeks ago. Major player back down in grade.

Form: 2-22452

Reallyntruthfully¹⁰⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 129

5/1

Dual hurdles winner who made a successful start to his chase career at Fontwell (19.5f, good to soft) in October. Went backwards from that effort at Exeter the following month, though it still remains early days for him in this sphere.

Form: 5219-16

Westerninthepark¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 125| D

9/2

Made a winning chase debut at Stratford (20.9f) last term and encouragement at around 26f on first 2 starts this season. Has failed to complete the last twice, but his mark has eased as a result and could bounce back returned to shorter trip.

Form: 20-47PU

Tax For Max²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: J J Slevin| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 117

16/1

Useful hurdler at best who made a winning chase debut in 2023/24. However, absent over 2 years/left Willie Mullins following final outing that season and hasn't been the same force this term, down the field in 20f handicap chases last 2 starts.

Form: 033855

Icare Grandchamp²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 112| D

13/8

Has worked his way back to form this season following a lengthy absence, returning to winning ways in handicap at Plumpton (17f, soft) 20 days ago. Up in grade but he's respected with return to further promising to suit.

Form: 131-521

Forecasts

Icare Grandchamp (13/8), Mahons Glory (2/1), Reallyntruthfully (11/2), Westerninthepark (6/1), Tax For Max (14/1), Lounge Lizard (16/1)

MAHONS GLORY has turned over a new leaf since joining his present yard and he can take advantage of this drop back into a class 3 to open his account for the season. Icare Grandchamp has taken his form up a notch last 2 starts and is feared most, ahead of Westerninthepark.