Falcon Management Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 4m 18.8s

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Selected odds by:

The Herds Garden³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 120

20/1

Started the season off well at Carlisle chasing home the progressive Double W's in October, and reportedly not suited by an overnight stay at Kelso next time when a below par seventh of eight (2m1f Good to Soft). Travelling better next time when departing four out, and whilst clearly with some ability doesn't appear the most ultra reliable.

Form: 27FU6P

Shanroe Street¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 115

20/1

A game winner of a small field 2m5f maiden hurdle at Ayr in March, but well held on handicap debut in that sphere at Hexham in May. An ex Irish PTP'er so no surprise that he goes over fences on his return to action especially in light of his strong chasing pedigree, but this trip of 2m could well be on the sharp side today.

Form: 41-0552

Eastview Boy¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: A Nicol| T: P A Kirby| OR: 114

6/1

A C&D winner of a similar race here in mid December, with conditions today nigh identical, and just a 3lbs higher mark to overcome. Perhaps struggled with the step up in trip next time at Wetherby, and a major contender back here having run well in four previous starts at this track during his career.

Form: 1-4455U

Casual Cavalier^p²²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: G Bewley| OR: 110

3/1

Has won two of his last three starts over fences (at Kelso and Ayr), but has been hit hard by the handicapper, and is up to a mark of 110 here. He also has work to do with Maxed Out King based upon their running here over 2m4f last month.

Form: 22/44-13

Maxed Out King⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 10-9| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 107

4/5

Progressive, having won his last two starts and from a stable in fine form. Firstly making all over this trip at Sedgefield in December from a mark of 89, he took another step forward upped to 2m4f here a week later, producing another bold front running effort despite a bad blunder at the third last. He holds Casual Cavalier (third) on that evidence and the fourth Cabragh has won since, and dropping back in trip here is a likely plus from an 11lbs higher mark.

Form: P/8P113-

Oak Vintage¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Jamie Hamilton⁽³⁾| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 103

25/1

Didn't get any further than the third at Kelso on his chase debut (unseated rider), and needs to adapt quickly to fences here with jumping likely to be tested by the bold front running Maxed Out King.

Form: 51P-240

Forecasts

Maxed Out King (4/5), Casual Cavalier (3/1), Eastview Boy (6/1), Shanroe Street (20/1), The Herds Garden (20/1), Oak Vintage (25/1)

A decent contest despite the small field, and it's more than fair to say that the handicapper hasn't missed either Casual Cavalier or MAXED OUT KING, so the play could well be to support recent C&D winner Eastview Boy from just a 3lbs higher mark. However, Maxed Out King is a most progressive horse and one can't help but be endeared to his brave style of racing. The drop back in trip to 2m is likely to suit, and on prevailing soft ground with the form here from last time looking rock solid, he can defy the interventions of the handicapper one more time. 1. Maxed Out King 2. Eastview Boy 3. The Herds Garden