Virgin Bet Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 5m 13.47s

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Selected odds by:

Numitor⁵⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: H Main| OR: 131| BF

5/4

Has developed a good strike rate over fences and, while his jumping let him down (for once) at Sandown last time, he's the type to make a prompt return to form dropping back in grade. Strong claims

Form: 13-3124

Port Of Mars^t¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Fergus Gregory| T: O Murphy| OR: 123

22/1

Hereford maiden chase winner over a year ago but he's offered little since, pulled up at Wincanton 13 days ago. As such, he arrives with plenty to prove.

Form: 21P-P6P

The Unit²²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: A King| OR: 123| C| D

9/2

Showed battling qualities to gain his first win since 2018 at this track last time and, in a relatively weak race for the grade, there's every reason to think he'll go well again.

Form: 04-7331

Joke Dancer^p¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Ryan Mania| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 123

9/2

Useful winning chaser at best and, while he's struggled for the bulk of this season, there was more encouragement in his recent third at Wetherby. One to consider back up in trip.

Form: 0-5F543

Across The Line^p,t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 122

3/1

Dual hurdle winner who struck at third time of asking over fences at Southwell (15.8f) in November. At least respectable efforts since but the handicapper appears to have his measure.

Form: 521422

Non-Runners

Baron De Midleton³³

Weight: 11-0| Age: 9

T: B Ellison J: Sean Quinlan

Forecasts

Numitor (5/4), Across The Line (3/1), The Unit (9/2), Joke Dancer (9/2), Baron De Midleton (6/1), Port Of Mars (22/1)

NUMITOR had a rare off day at Sandown last time, but he'd developed a progressive profile over fences prior to that and, back in calmer waters, he's capable of getting back to winning ways. Last-time-out winner The Unit is a danger and the well-treated Joke Dancer should make his presence felt if able to build on his latest outing.