RACE 6 4.30

THE WEST BERKSHIRE MENCAP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) (For The Geoffrey Gilbey Trophy)

for five yrs old and upwards

Total prize fund £18150

(For conditions of this race see page 47)

Leading course trainer (17-22): J O’Neill (8 wins from 68 runners, 12%) runs YES

INDEED

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): M Harris (3 wins from 27 runners, 11%) runs STEPNEY CAUSEWAY

Longest Traveller: GALLIC GEORDIE trained by S Drinkwater, Strensham, 77 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 YES INDEED (FR) (72)

B g Martaline - She Hates Me (IRE) (Hawk Wing (USA))

6 12 0 BHA128

Mr Michael O’Flynn and Delancey Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham

Br Marie-Christine Gabeur

S Wasdell Group

J Jonjo O’Neill Jr

5623-64

T

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful winning chaser who shaped better than distance beaten suggests under a positive ride when fourth in 7-runner Hereford handicap (20.9f) in December, albeit finishing effort typically underwhelming. Had wind surgery since though and not ruled out from this mark.

2 STEPNEY CAUSEWAY (GB) (12)

B g New Approach (IRE) - Wake Up Call (Noverre (USA))

TFRHHHHI

6 11 11 BHA125

J Mitchell Bastyan

Middleham Park Racing XCV Milton Harris, Warminster PF-4335 D

Br Laundry Cottage Stud Farm S Bresbet CP

TIMEFORMVIEW Useful hurdles winner for Dan Skelton.Yet to get his head in front in this sphere but he did score on the level at Saint Moritz for present yard in February Latest run at that venue easily overlooked and operating from career-low mark back over fences. Market may guide with cheekpieces back on.

3 GALLIC GEORDIE (GB) (62)

TFRHHHII

10 10 10 BHA110

B g Geordieland (FR) - Je Ne Sais Plus (FR) (Spadoun (FR))

Samuel Drinkwater, Strensham 324-2F2 CD

J Nick Scholfield Glastonbury & On The Gallops 1

Br Kevin & Anne Glastonbury S Tote

TIMEFORMVIEW In fine form last winter, rattling off quick-fire hat-trick in C&D handicap in December Winless since but clearly as good as ever judged on his second back here on NewYear’s Eve, beaten only by a totally unexposed sort. Brings solid claims to the table once more. TFRHHHHH

4 CALGARYTIGER (GB) (29)

B g Tiger Groom - Sachiko (Celtic Swing)

Mr W. de Best-Turner

Br W. de Best-Turner

8 10 2

BHA102

J Ben Ffrench Davis (7)

William de Best-Turner, Lambourn P/0405/-1 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Little worthwhile form over hurdles but he provided his stable with first ever winner over jumps following a lengthy absence over fences at Wincanton (15.7f) 4 weeks ago, making all. Whether he can back that up now has to be up for debate, however TFRHHHII

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 4 (EXACTA)

Tongue Strap worn by No. 1. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2. Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 1.

2022: MONSIEUR LECOQ (FR) 8 11 12 Ciaran Gethings 5-2 (Mrs Jane Williams) 6 ran

Betting Forecast: 6-4 Gallic Geordie (GB), 11-4 Yes Indeed (FR), 9-2 Stepney Causeway (GB), 5-1 Calgary Tiger (GB)

Race Summary: GALLIC GEORDIE confirmed himself still very much of interest from this sort of mark when going down only to a completely unexposed sort over C&D in December and he looks sure to go well again. Yes Indeed shapes like he’s more than capable of defying this sort of mark when putting his best foot forward and, following wind surgery, he could well emerge as the chief threat dropped back in trip.