Coldstream Guards Association Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 5m 24.86s

Begin The Luck^p²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Robbie David⁽⁵⁾| T: Daisy Hitchins| OR: 94| D

11/1

Gained reward for a string of consistent efforts when resuming winning ways in this sphere at Wincanton (20.1f) in December. Shaped as if still in good form on 2 of his 3 subsequent runs and blinkers worn last time quickly replaced by usual cheekpieces. Not ruled out back up in trip.

Form: 231335

River Run Free^b1,t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Rian Corcoran⁽⁷⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 90| BF| CD

5/6

C&D winner who justified good support when cosily doubling his chase tally over extended 2ff here on penultimate start. Shaped better than distance beaten suggests before stamina-sapping 3m stretched him at Ffos Las recently and this rates more suitable with blinkers now applied.

Form: 4P-4P13

Eric Carmen^p,t¹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: Benjamin Macey⁽⁵⁾| T: G Hanmer| OR: 89| D

11/4

Front runner who has turned over a new leaf in recent months, again dominating faced with testing ground when making it 3 wins from last 4 starts over fences at Market Rasen (19.1f) 17 days ago. Further 4 lb rise makes things tougher but conditions again in his favour.

Form: 65-1311

Ultra Viers^p,t⁹⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-10| J: Harry Bannister| T: P Taylor| OR: 76

10/1

Remains a maiden after 22 runs but in process of running creditably when falling last on return at Market Rasen in November. Below best after 2 weeks off when fifth at Lingfield (20f) later that month but likely type to bounce back returning from a break.

Form: 444-4F5

Jack Doyen^b⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-10| J: J M Quinlan| T: B I Case| OR: 76| D

17/2

Made the frame all 4 starts last season but has struggled in handful of outings upon returning this winter. Others make much more appeal.

Form: 23-F6P5

Forecasts

River Run Free (5/6), Eric Carmen (11/4), Jack Doyen (17/2), Ultra Viers (10/1), Begin The Luck (11/1)

Dual course winner RIVER RUN FREE appeared to find a stamina-sapping 3m stretching him at Ffos Las on his latest outing and, in the hope this doesn't come too quick, he's fancied to make a bold bid back at this more suitable trip with first-time blinkers enlisted. Eric Carmen has turned over a new leaf this campaign, winning 3 of his last 4 starts over hurdles/fences and he's a big threat. Class-dropping Begin The Luck also commands respect.