Thomas Armstrong Group 'Building The Future' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:45 | Winning time: 5m 9.34s

Hello Judge^t¹⁹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Danny McMenamin| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 120| CD

3/1

Proved better than ever last season, landing this same race before following up at Hexham and also scoring back here (2m) in February. Ended the campaign on a low-key note, but this 6-time course winner commands respect on his return.

Form: 1851P4-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Old Gregorian^t¹⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: D R Fox| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 117

5/1

Fairly useful handicap hurdler who finished alone on chasing debut at Wetherby a year ago. However, he hasn't kicked on in a trio of handicaps since, tried in cheekpieces (now left off) when last of 5 at Cartmel (21f) in May. Off 5 months since.

Form: 3D/146-5

Glory And Honour^b,t²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 112| D

85/40

In reapplied blinkers, successful in handicap hurdle at Hexham (2m) in June and creditable fourth of 7 over fences there next time. Back in cheekpieces over hurdles since, but he's now 3 lb lower than for his last chase win. Makes plenty of appeal with the blinkers refitted.

Form: 147236

Dearkeithandkaty¹⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 106

7/4

Fair form in handicap hurdles, off the mark at Musselburgh (3m) in February and runner-up on 4 other occasions (including at this venue). Pulled up at Worcester when last seen in May, but he's from the family of top-class staying chaser Kemboy so is one to note going over fences.

Form: 21222-P

Forecasts

Dearkeithandkaty (7/4), Glory And Honour (85/40), Hello Judge (3/1), Old Gregorian (5/1)

Preference is for GLORY AND HONOUR, who has eased to a handy mark returned to chasing and gets the blinkers back on which he's worn for his last 2 victories (over hurdles on latest). He gets the vote ahead of last year's winner of this race Hello Judge, while Dearkeithandkaty could be in the mix on chasing debut.