Race Preview: 1:30 Worcester

This is the Fred & Mercy Rimell Memorial Handicap Chase, a Class 4 event run over 2 miles and 110 yards. A competitive field of nine runners will face 12 fences on ground described as Good. The race features a fascinating mix of established handicappers, chase debutants, and horses returning from a break.

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The Main Contenders

• Escapeandevade: This 9-year-old is lightly raced for his age and was a prolific winner two seasons ago, completing a chase hat-trick. He now makes his debut for the in-form Harry Derham yard after being bought for £28,000. While his form last season wasn’t quite at his peak, a change of scenery could spark a revival. The biggest question mark is the 214-day layoff and the fact his best form has come on softer ground.
• Southoftheborder: A very interesting runner carrying top weight. He was highly regarded over hurdles, even running in a Grade 2. His two chase runs this season (over further) have been full of promise, and he looked like he would improve for his latest outing at Fontwell 19 days ago where he finished behind Duhallow Tommy. The drop back to 2 miles could be the key, as he is described as a strong traveller. At the forecast odds, he holds strong appeal.
• Duhallow Tommy: A consistent chaser who arrives here with race fitness on his side after a solid third-place finish on his seasonal reappearance. He is versatile regarding the trip and is only 5lb higher than his last winning mark. He’s a reliable type who should be in the mix, but he may be vulnerable to a rival with more potential for improvement.
• Wotter Trotter: This horse represents the powerful Dan Skelton stable and makes his handicap and chasing debut today. He showed definite promise in three hurdles races last season and could be well-handicapped on an opening mark of 113. Coming from this yard, you can expect him to be well-schooled for the switch to fences. The long layoff (244 days) is a slight concern, but he is a major threat if ready to go.

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Outsiders and Others

• Chief Sunday: A dual winner over hurdles last season for the Twiston-Davies team. He unseated his rider early on his chase debut 27 days ago, which is a concern, but he has the potential to be better over the larger obstacles. If his jumping holds up, he isn’t without a chance.
• Dromlac Jury: Don’t overlook this mare at the bottom of the weights. She gets in with just 10st 5lbs and ran a cracker to be third in a competitive Cheltenham handicap in April. That form looks strong, and the huge weight allowance she receives from the top-rated runners makes her a dangerous each-way proposition, despite being 0-4 over fences so far.
• Duke Of Luckley: He completed a hat-trick of wins in the spring but has been pulled up on his last two starts. He needs to bounce back in a big way and his recent form makes him very hard to recommend.

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Verdict

This is a tricky puzzle to solve. Wotter Trotter is feared on his chase debut for a top stable, and Escapeandevade could be rejuvenated by the stable switch. However, the value may lie with SOUTHOFTHEBORDER. He has shown class in the past, and the combination of a recent run and a significant drop in trip could unlock the improvement needed to win. He travels powerfully and this sharper test should suit him perfectly.

For an each-way play, Dromlac Jury is very appealing off a featherweight at the bottom of the handicap.

1. Southoftheborder
2. Wotter Trotter
3. Dromlac Jury