Guthrie Financial Planning Services Ltd Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:35 | Winning time: 6m 22.89s

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Selected odds by:

Trickaway²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: J M Jefferson| OR: 130

14/1

Three time winning chaser for Phillip Hobbs who made it four when staying on strongly to score on debut for this yard at Kelso from a 4lbs lower mark in November. Possibly out of his depth next time in Haydock's Class 2 Tommy Whittle Chase with this race looking more suitable despite conceeding weight all round.

Form: 43/0-110

Un Noble⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Craig Nichol| T: N G Richards| OR: 128

10/1

Unbeaten in two starts at this track (over hurdles and fences), keeping on strongly over shorter on final start here last season. Raised 5lbs for that April success and unseated rider at the first on return behind Trickaway at Kelso. Effectively an extended absence to overcome, but clearly well suited by this track.

Form: P1/UPP4-

Smooth Stepper³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 125

13/2

C&D winner from a 2lb higher mark here in November 2015, but not managed to get his head back in front since. Not fluent and never on terms last time in the Borders National at Kelso, but a capable performer in this grade in these conditions if fully tuned up.

Form: 3234-95

Corrin Wood^p²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 125

5/2

Formerly with Donald McCain, and just three starts for this yard over the past few months. Runner up in a Listed hurdle at Cheltenham in November, before finishing third at Chepstow thereafter. A staying on, not troubled leaders fourth in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock in December, and this represents a drop in grade for a three time chase winner (in novice/beginner events).

Form: P0P-P23

Bigirononhiship⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: W T Kennedy| T: R Dobbin| OR: 124

9/4

Lightly raced PTP and maiden hurdle winner, who ran a mighty race on chasing debut on Fighting Fifth day over this C&D when a close second to Calett Mad. Some scope to improve on fencing, which may be tested in handicap company but exciting prospect for his trainer.

Form: U1123-2

Revocation²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Grant Cockburn⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 124

7/1

A smooth travelling ready winner of a 2m4f Class 4 handicap here in November, and arguably unlucky not to have won previously (in contention when making a mistake at the last). Mistakes and unable to reel in winner next time at Carlisle from a 9lbs higher mark. Raised a further 2lbs here, and relatively lightly raced could be further suited up in trip.

Form: F/3-2123

Batavir^b,t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: C O'Farrell| T: D Pipe| OR: 123

11/1

Ex French and a three time winner over hurdles. In rear and left behind from the 11th on chasing debut over shorter at Uttoxeter in November, before a solid third reverting to hurdles in a good handicap at Haydock last time. This trip likely to suit on just his second start over fences and open to improvement, but pitched in at the deep end in a competitive looking contest.

Form: 53235-9

Forecasts

Bigirononhiship (9/4), Corrin Wood (5/2), Smooth Stepper (13/2), Revocation (7/1), Un Noble (10/1), Batavir (11/1), Trickaway (14/1)

A very competitive looking race in which few can be readily discounted. Un Noble sports an unbeaten record here, but may need this race, and Smooth Stepper looks undeniably dangerous from a mark of 125. Revocation has been in fine form this winter, but the handicapper has not missed, and a sporting chance is taken with the inexperienced BIGIRONONHISHIP. His attitude on his fencing debut at this track last time behind Calett Mad was a commendable one, and connections wouldn't be pitching him in here against these rivals if they didn't think he was up-to the task. 1. Bigirononhiship 2. Smooth Stepper 3. Revocation