A competitive Handicap Chase and the trip requires two climbs up the steep hill from the Home straight including just after the start so proven stamina is a key asset.

 

I'm Not Alone won 3 days ago and is quickly out with a 7 lbs penalty, clearly in good nick but looking back the last time it won and came out fairly quickly (14 days) with a penalty it was pulled up so happy to take it on.

 

steps Match has finished 3rd and 2nd last twice, clearly in form and could well make the sequence 321 but at around 3/1 there were a couple I fancied more with some each way scope. Dalcheadacuig is of interest from a small Yard but will need to prove stamina and if they go a fair lick from the start it may not help this one. Brideswell Lad runs off top weight and a chance on best form but the profile suggests one that is best caught fresh. 

 

I was left with a short list of 5 and the pair I'm most confident about are WALKING THE WALK who is due!, good runs to place the last twice off a fairly static mark and I think a decent each way price at 7/1 or higher. IMPERIAL VIEW is the one in the race with the most scope for HD-B and Rachel. It's slowly adapted to fences, I've no concerns about stamina or the Going and it's seasonal debut was one I saw as a career best over the bigger obstacles. If it comes on a few percent fitness wise I think it can take a significant step forwards.

 

There are 3 at BIG Odds that I think can outrun them, I'll list them in preference order and advise a shrapnel bet on the first but of you wanted a dabble at the other pair i wouldn't put you off and I think they can all run season bests tonight.

 

GREENWAY MACHINE has some decent Chasing form off similar marks, its had 2 runs, was lightly raced last season with most promise on 3rd and 4th outings and a mark below 80 (runs off 79) really caught my eye. It just gets the nod over last years race and therefore Course and Distance winner, DOUBLE WINDSOR who won this off a mark of 90 at 33/1, its struggled with a penalty in Chases but the mark is down to 81 and if it revives over Course and Distance could be very dangerous. ALLDUCKORNODINNER is a silly price too, its bst chase runs have been over 3 miles and twice round here is a tough ask, the runs off marks up to high 90's suggests ability and after 2 runs is one I really think can make a mockery of the odds.

 

TRACKERS - Walking The Walk + Imperial View / Shrapnel - Greenway Machine (see notes re 2 others)