15:15 Kempton

Saturday 19 March 2022

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:00

Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 5m 4.12s

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Selected odds by:

Pistol Whipped¹¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-1| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 152| D

12/1

Cracking second at Uttoxeter in May but pulled up in 1965 Chase at Ascot (21f) on his only run since. Returns with a bit to prove after his break.

Form: 2011-2P

Espoir De Guye²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 149| D

11/2

Returned in style after a wind op with ready win in 3-runner handicap chase at Warwick (20f) 22 days ago. In the mix despite 4 lb rise.

Form: P/1842-1

Diego Du Charmil^t⁹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 146

8/1

Arrives in good nick, second of 9 in handicap chase at Ascot (18.8f) 91 days ago. Not taken lightly despite his lay-off since.

Form: 518-952

Manofthemountain¹²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 143| D

4/1

Generally progressive and posted another solid run when eighth in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (20.2f) in November. Has won off a break, so needs considering.

Form: 4P21-28

Kalooki^b¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 141| D

22/1

Landed 3m Doncaster handicap over Christmas but below par all three runs since, tried in blinkers last time. Has something to prove.

Form: 2-715P6

Killer Clown^t⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 140| CD

11/2

As good as ever in first-time tongue tie when an easy winner at Wincanton in January but pulled up at Ascot since. C&D winner, and the sort to bounce back.

Form: 23-661P

Native Robin^p,t²⁸

Age: 12| Weight: 10-9| J: David Prichard⁽⁵⁾| T: J Scott| OR: 132| D

22/1

On the upgrade, and he completed his hat-trick at Wincanton (20f) in taking fashion four weeks ago. Up another 7 lb but veteran still can't be taken lightly in his current mood.

Form: 0-13111

Debece^t²¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-9| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 132| C| D

7/1

Tongue strap on and back on song when third of 7 in handicap chase at Newcastle (20.1f) 21 days ago. Expected to be bang there off an unchanged mark.

Form: 0/PP2-P3

Paddy's Poem¹⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 10-5| J: James Davies| T: N J Gifford| OR: 128| D

25/1

Hinted at a reveival when third of 6 in handicap chase at Newbury (16.4f) 15 days ago. In the mix off 4 lb lower mark.

Form: 2310-P3

Up The Straight⁷⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Tom Cannon| T: R Rowe| OR: 128| CD

7/2

Useful hurdler/chaser but below par since landing 3-runner novice chase at Plumpton in October. Has questions to answer at present.

Form: 25-103P

Forecasts

Up The Straight (7/2), Manofthemountain (4/1), Killer Clown (11/2), Espoir De Guye (11/2), Debece (7/1), Diego Du Charmil (8/1), Pistol Whipped (12/1), Native Robin (22/1), Kalooki (22/1), Paddy's Poem (25/1)

DEBECE got right back on track when third at Newcastle and can capitalise on a handy mark here at the chief expense of veteran Native Robin, who is thriving despite his advancing years and bids for a four-timer. Espoir de Guye needs considering too on the back of his Warwick success.