DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 6m 2.58s

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Olivers Travels^p¹³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Shane Fenelon⁽⁵⁾| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 122

15/2

Bumper/hurdles winner who improved significantly with cheekpieces fitted over fences last summer, landing back-to-back Worcester handicaps (23f). Held back by mistakes since and returns from 4 months off with a bit to prove.

Form: 11254P

Awaythelad^b³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Callum Pritchard⁽⁵⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 120| D

4/1

Dual hurdles winner last winter and is really getting the hang of chasing now, opening his account in 7-runner handicap at Southwell (24.3f, good) last month, asserting early in the straight before being closed down late. Should remain competitive on the back of a 5 lb rise.

Form: 7-34P21

Nothin To Ask^t¹¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Liam Harrison| T: F O'Brien| OR: 116| CWS

10/3

Fairly useful handicap hurdler/winning chaser who isn't the force of old, but his handicap mark now reflects that and he was placed for the second successive start at Newcastle (23.4f, good to soft) back in December. Freshened up since so he'd be folly to ignore (has had a wind op).

Form: 2-68732

Thor De Cerisy^p,t¹⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Dylan Johnston⁽³⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 113| C

9/2

Dual chase scorer last season and, although winless this term, shaped as if back in top form despite typically travelling better than he finished when 5¼ lengths fifth of 6 to The Boola Boss at Newbury (22.4f, good) just over 2 weeks ago. Interesting back down to his last winning mark.

Form: P-025P5

The Boola Boss^t¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Jamie Brace⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 112

7/4

Had his usual tongue tie reapplied and bounced back to his best to win for the second time this season in 6-runner handicap chase at Newbury (22.4f, good) just over a fortnight ago, responding well to a positive ride. Hasn't often strung good runs together, however.

Form: 130P31

Forecasts

The Boola Boss (7/4), Nothin To Ask (10/3), Awaythelad (4/1), Thor De Cerisy (9/2), Olivers Travels (15/2)

A tricky puzzle to solve despite the small field but the vote goes to AWAYTHELAD, who is really getting the hang of chasing now and Ben Pauling's 8-y-o can supplement his Southwell success last month from a 5 lb higher mark. Heading up the dangers is Nothin To Ask, who isn't the force of old but was placed for the second successive start when last seen at Newcastle in December. Down to his last winning mark, Thor de Cerisy completes the shortlist.