Flame The Heat Is On Mares' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 5m 42.0s

Settings

Selected odds by:

Two Smokin Barrels³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: M Scudamore| OR: 127

11/10

Her winning run over fences came to an end at Catterick last month in a race where she did herself no favours with an early mistake. Kept in the main to mares races since switched to chasing, she was in good form from early December 2016, but her mark has risen 19lb for her victories at Wetherby (x2) and Kelso. Respected in a winnable contest.

Form: P21/21-4

Caraline³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Joe Colliver| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 117

2/1

On balance is probably better over a shorter trip, but she goes very well for this rider (all four UK successes coming together). She was just outstayed by Gold Opera (over C&D) last month, but can again be fancied to go well with her previous third placed effort at Sedgefield franked by Raktiman on Sunday.

Form: 1111P-4

Martiloo^h1⁵⁰⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-4| J: B S Hughes| T: Miss P Robson| OR: 105

7/2

Former French racer (M.Rolland) who makes her UK debut wearing the hood. Mixed hurdling with fencing in France, mainly at around 2m1f, but was placed over further at Auteuil in November 2014. Should handle this ground without problems, and interesting given her ownership for her UK debut.

Form: 43230/P-

Asuncion^b²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Jamie Hamilton⁽³⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 78

25/1

Made all and stayed on strongly when winning over 2m at this track in March 2016 (from a 5lb higher mark), and did win again over 2m3f at Market Rasen in December 2016. However, has been below her best in her last three races, with her hopes of a revival boosted if able to boss this small field with an uncontested lead.

Form: 513542-

Forecasts

Two Smokin Barrels (11/10), Caraline (2/1), Martiloo (7/2), Asuncion (25/1)

Martiloo is the unknown in this race having switched from racing in France. However, it's noteworthy that she was ridden by James Reveley in France, which is relevant given her high profile owner. Two Smoking Barrels is a tough mare, and she's done well over fences to date, but preference is for CARALINE, despite some minor concerns about her stamina at this trip. She goes well for Joe Colliver, and she's worth another try at this trip based upon her solid run behind Gold Opera over C&D at this track last month.