Hugh Cavendish Veterans' Handicap Chase

10YO plus | Class 3 | 3m 5f 80y | 5 Runners | Turf

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: Benjamin Macey⁽⁵⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 127| C| D

Has been rejuvenated by cheekpieces of late, adding another victory to his tally in 10-runner event at Fakenham (29f, good) 3 weeks ago, staying on to lead approaching home turn. Remains well treated up 5 lb and plenty to like back here (3-time winner in early 2024/25).

Form: 45686-1

If Not For Dylan^t³²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: Alan Doyle⁽³⁾| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 117

15/2

Showed plenty of ability remains with a bold front-running success at Doncaster in February. Not so good in a more competitive affair next time but back on song when third of 7 at Perth (3m, good) last month, making most until 2 out. Respected returned to a marathon trip.

Form: U43173-

Fairlawn Flyer^p²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: S Bowen| T: M Bowen| OR: 116| C

2/1

Thorough stayer who looked rusty after 5 months off when fourth of 9 in at Ffos Las (3m, good) just under 3 weeks ago, plugging on from 3 out having gone in snatches. Successful twice here around this time last year and better anticipated returned to a longer trip.

Form: 1123P-4

Stratagem^p,t²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: Mr J P Murray⁽⁷⁾| T: M Bowen| OR: 112

11/2

Posted best effort for this yard when winning in good style at Sedgefield early last month and left the impression he'd have finished significantly closer had he not been caught so far back at Perth next time. Ran to a similar level when third here (25f, good) on Saturday but others preferred.

Form: 6P314-3

My Bobby Dazzler⁵¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-13| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 112

10/3

Not the most reliable but ended a long losing run in 7-runner veterans event 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) just over 7 weeks ago. Considered if in the same mood.

Form: 84P312-

Forecasts

Tommie Beau (6/4), My Bobby Dazzler (3/1), If Not For Dylan (4/1), Stratagem (6/1), Fairlawn Flyer (8/1)

Cases can be made for most of these, but TOMMIE BEAU has been rejuvenated by cheekpieces of late and still remaining well treated following his recent Fakenham success, Seamus Mullins' 11-y-o is one to follow now back on track. He can add a fourth course victory to his tally at the expense of My Bobby Dazzler, who refused to line up at Aintree recently but would be a danger to all provided he keeps his quirks in check.