Matchbook Racing Is Commission Free Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 5m 15.6s

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Selected odds by:

Midnight Cowboy¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 12-3| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 122

2/1

Early mistake rather put him on the back foot on chase debut here at Kempton last time, but showed enough to think he should have a future at the game. Goes into handicaps on a fair mark and with trip and ground to suit, can get involved if building on that effort.

Form: 34123-3

Clondaw Banker²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 115

11/4

Often well supported in his races but generally disappointing and although he finished a close enough second over C&D, he never really looked the winner. Needs improvement and although that's not impossible, on balance, others are preferred.

Form: 147/P62-

Bingo D'Olivate¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: R T Dunne| T: Noel Williams| OR: 114

25/1

Finished a close fifth over hurdles (soft ground) at Lingfield last November but regressive since then, and weakened quickly again at Warwick on latest start. Mark is falling but until he starts showing a bit more, can't really be backed with any confidence.

Form: 5PP8F-6

De Blacksmith⁴⁰⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 111

20/1

Some of his best form would give him a first-rate chance here, but became a little disappointing when last seen and now has a year's absence to overcome. Variety of headgear and aids tried, but all to no avail, and others preferred today.

Form: 2U232U/

Mahlers Star²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: T Scudamore| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 109

7/2

Some form over hurdles but even better on recent chase debut when just losing out on the nod at Bangor. Jumped well there and that will stand him in good stead here. Nudged up 2lb for that but every chance of success if building on that, and a leading player here.

Form: 302F92-

Tower Of Allen⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 103

6/1

Full brother to the useful Gilt Shadow, and there are chase winners in the family, which gives hope on his chase debut today. Not shown much so far but handicapped on five hurdles starts and may well improve for the switch of disciplines. Market may guide.

Form: P/B2698-

Fingers Crossed³²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: R P McLernon| T: P R Webber| OR: 100

20/1

Couple of good efforts on paper over fences so far, but jumping often lets him down and needs to prove himself over this trip too (best efforts over shorter). Plenty to prove on balance, and may find others improving past him today.

Form: 7/76282-

Non-Runners

Doitforjoe¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 7

T: David Dennis J: N D Fehily

Forecasts

Midnight Cowboy (2/1), Clondaw Banker (11/4), Mahlers Star (7/2), Tower Of Allen (6/1), Doitforjoe (14/1), Fingers Crossed (20/1), De Blacksmith (20/1), Bingo D'Olivate (25/1)

Not an easy puzzle to solve, with a few of these likely to do better over fences. A chance is taken on DOITFORJOE, who should strip fitter for a recent run and always threatened to make a better chaser than hurdler, He should have more to offer this season, as should Tower Of Allen , who should go close if jumping proficiently. Mahlers Star did nothing wrong on his chase debut at Bangor and looks a big danger.