RACE 2 2.00

THE STEWART WRIGHT MEMORIAL NOVICES’ HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE)

for novice five yrs old and upwards

Total prize fund £23000

(For conditions of this race see page 47)

The Family And Friends Of Stewart Wright

TWO MILES ABOUT HALF A FURLONG (2m 92yds)

Leading course trainer (17-22): F O’Brien (13 wins from 86 runners, 15%) runs MORTLACH

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): F O’Brien (8 wins from 27 runners, 30%) runs MORTLACH

Longest Traveller: FAST BUCK trained by J Williams, South Molton, 133 miles.

RACE FACTS: BREEDING J JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER FORM Br BREEDER S SPONSOR

HEADGEAR KEY: H HOOD B BLINKERS V VISOR E EYESHIELD T TONGUE STRAP CP SHEEPSKIN CHEEKPIECES

COLOURS NO HORSE/DAYS SINCE LAST RUN

1 MORTLACH (GB) (48) 8 11 9

B gYeats (IRE) - Belle Brook (IRE) (Alderbrook)

Richard D A Hames and Doug Pocock Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham

Br R. T. Crellin S M&Dh Insurance Services Ltd

J Paddy Brennan

222332 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Made hay in small-field novice events this season, including 4 victories over fences at up to 21f. Limitations have been exposed in Graded company though, well-held third in Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day and no chance with a smart one in a match at Plumpton latest. Back in a handicap. TFRHHHHI

2 FAST BUCK (FR) (15)

9 11 8 BHA131

Br g Kendargent (FR) - Juvenil Delinquent (USA) (Dynaformer (USA))

KnightRiders III

Mrs Jane Williams, South Molton

J David Noonan

3-54012 D

Br Mr Hubert Honore & Mr Tomas Schweizer S Culverhill Farm Racing T

TIMEFORM VIEW Below-par last season for Dan Skelton and having dropped a long way in the weights, returned to form from out of the blue to get off the mark over fences in style over at Lingfield in December Confirmed he’s back in excellent nick when runner-up at Sandown and he’s a big player. TFRHHHHH

3 TAPTAP BOOM (GB) (6)

9 11 2 BHA125

Ro g Foxwedge (AUS) - Exclusive Approval (USA) (With Approval (CAN)) J JayTidball (7)

Gentech,James,Franklin,Bickmore&Ralph

Alastair Ralph, Bridgnorth 05-11U6 D

Br London Thoroughbred Services Ltd S Planned Office Interiors Ltd T

TIMEFORM VIEW Five-time Flat winner who scored twice over hurdles in France back in 2018. Failed to win over timber for current yard but landed brace of small-field handicaps over fences during the autumn. Unseated rider early in hat-trick bid in December and latest effort suggests he’s too high in the weights. TFRHHHII

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 3 (EXACTA)

Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 2, 3.

2022: AMARILLO SKY (IRE) 6 11 10 Brendan Powell 3-1 (Colin Tizzard) 7 ran

Betting Forecast: EVENS Fast Buck (FR), 6-4 Mortlach (GB), 13-2 Tap Tap Boom (GB)

Race Summary: FAST BUCK is back in good form for his new connections and it’s easy enough to envisage this uncomplicated ride making all here. With Tap Tap Boom too high in the weights, Mortlach is the obvious threat.

1-2-3: 1.FAST BUCK (FR) 2.MORTLACH 3.TAP TAP BOOM