Firehouse Somerset Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 7m 52.3s

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Selected odds by:

Court Frontier^t1⁶⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: D F O'Regan| T: Christian Williams| OR: 127

11/1

Won three times early last year, but went up in the weights and switched to current stable in the spring, Ran twice over hurdles before running a fair race back over the bigger obstacles and cannot be ruled out fitted with a tongue tie for the first

Form: 1P5-674

Muffins For Tea^t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 127| C

7/2

Has shown a fair level of ability since switched to fences and sole win in five starts came at this track. Ran a sound race in defeat at Wincanton last time and has claims off 2lb higher.

Form: 33F312

Theatrical Star¹⁴

Age: 12| Weight: 11-10| J: R Johnson| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 125| C

4/1

Veteran performer who was capable in his prime but is on a long, losing streak. Did nothing wrong when second to the subsequent Midlands National winner over C&D on latest outing and enters calculations off 1lb higher.

Form: F33742

Crown Hill⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Tom Cannon| T: J Farrelly| OR: 122

6/1

Only six runs over fences, but has already won twice and been placed three times. Ran a fine race when just touched off at Doncaster on his latest outing and a 2lb rise is manageable. Should stay this longer trip and is one for the short list.

Form: 5-24422

It's Obvious^b,t³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 114

5/1

Third to Muffins For Tea at this track last month, but that was his first run over fences and he is likely to have learned from the experience. Has an 8lb pull for a 9¾L beating and can get much closer for last year's winning stable.

Form: 484473

Cap Horner²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: J McGrath| T: J W Mullins| OR: 110

9/1

Only six starts over fences, but has shaped quite well and won a novices' handicap at Lingfield in December. Ran well off 2lb lower at Fontwell last time and although he has stamina to prove he looks a player.

Form: P1P442

Jepeck³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-8| J: James Best| T: K Woollacott| OR: 109| D

7/2

Winner of no less than 10 point-to-points, but is still looking for his first win over fences after seven attempts. Not disgraced when third at Exeter last time and stamina is not an issue.

Form: 34P343

Non-Runners

Invicta Lake⁹

Weight: 10-8| Age: 11

T: Miss S Smith J: M G Nolan

Forecasts

Muffins For Tea (7/2), Jepeck (7/2), Theatrical Star (4/1), It's Obvious (5/1), Crown Hill (6/1), Cap Horner (9/1), Invicta Lake (10/1), Court Frontier (11/1)

Although he has reached the veteran stage, Theatrical Star showed last time that he retains enough ability to be a factor. He is much respected, along with top-weight Court Frontier and Muffins For Tea and It's Obvious, who are closely matched on recent course form. Despite having stamina to prove, Cap Horner can get involved, but the one they all have to beat may be CROWN HILL, who has proved a model of consistency over fences and comes into this race on the back of a fine effort at Doncaster.