Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Lightly-raced 7-y-o who has really impressed since sent chasing, bagging handicaps at Newbury (beat 4 next-time-out winners) in December and Sandown in March, jumping well each time. Up another 6 lb but fancied to maintain his unbeaten record in this sphere.

Forged clear on second chase start in a 2½m Leicester novice back in December 2023 for L J Morgan. However, missed the following 2 seasons but shaped as if retaining ability on second run after the absence at Ffos Las last time, just weakening late on heavy ground. Now tongue tied.

Winless since December 2023 but shaped reasonably well when fourth in a veterans' event at Doncaster in February. Not in same form against younger rivals at Kelso since and others are preferred.

Back to form on second start for new yard when third of 11 in handicap chase at Haydock (3½m, good) last month but rather typically failed to back that up at Perth 3 weeks ago. Unreliable type looks hard to fancy.

Signed off time with Tim Vaughan by recording a 4-timer and also tasted victory on second start for this yard at Warwick in September. Ran creditably after a 6-month break when third at Newton Abbot last time but gave trouble before refusing to race last week. Now tried in cheekpieces.

Has a good record fresh and he ran up to his best after 5 months off when second of 11 in handicap chase at Haydock (3½m, good, 17/2) 30 days ago. Place claims again.

Thorough stayer was in good nick without winning in 2025/26, third in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock (3¼m) in December and again shaping with encouragement when filling the same position at that same C&D last month. Might find this test on the sharp side, though.

Registered a second chase success away from bottomless ground at Ludlow (3m) in February and ran well with the benefit of a good position when runner-up at Kelso the following month. Considered again.

Not the most reliable but ended a long losing run in 7-runner veterans handicap chase at Hereford (25f) in February and rather encouragingly backed that up with a fast-finishing second in an 11-runner handicap at Haydock (3¼m, good) in April. Player if in same mood.

Flourished for her new yard after a breathing operation (also tongue tied), winning in small fields at Leicester and Wincanton in March. Possibly found race coming too soon after just 12 days off when only third of 4 at Huntingdon last time, though this is a stronger race than she often contests.