HMS Daring Royal Navy T45 Destroyer Mares' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 5m 24.02s

Molto Bene^p,t⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-2| J: Lily Pinchin| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 122| D

6/4

Dual hurdles winner who bettered that form when winning her first 2 starts over fences in the autumn. Good runner-up efforts at listed level over hurdles and fences since. Leading claims back in a handicap.

Form: 57-1122

Demoiselle Kap^t²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: I J Power| T: J Candlish| OR: 117

3/1

Completed a 4-timer (2 hurdle, 2 chase) for this yard last spring. Respectable fifth in Ludlow handicap hurdle on reappearance in January but not in the same form when a remote third at Catterick since. Bounce back needed returned to fences.

Form: 1122-53

Theonewedreamof¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 117

9/2

Versatile ex-Irish mare who made it second time lucky for Dan Skelton in 3m Exeter handicap chase in November. Even better form when runner-up at Cheltenham in December but her 2 efforts since have been laboured, markedly so at Ludlow last time (pulled up).

Form: 4-2125P

Gazette Bourgeoise^b,t⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Bannister| T: B I Case| OR: 109

16/1

Resumed winning ways in style at Fakenham (21f) in December but her 2 efforts since have been disappointing.

Form: 4P-518P

Taxus Baccata^t⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Charlie Price| T: R L Llewellyn| OR: 101| D

18/5

Made a winning chase debut at Plumpton for Matt Crawley last March. Largely below that level since, including when 18 lengths second at Wetherby in January on her first run for Robbie Llewellyn, but new trainer's good recent form provides the hope for better now.

Form: 5-54382

Forecasts

Molto Bene (6/4), Demoiselle Kap (3/1), Taxus Baccata (18/5), Theonewedreamof (9/2), Gazette Bourgeoise (16/1)

MOLTO BENE has had a cracking season and looks a potential class act under top weight, particularly as her 4 rivals all have a point to prove at present. Robbie Llewellyn has his team in form so Taxus Baccata may step up on her first run for the stable and provide the chief threat.