Timeform Daily: Monday, Catterick 16:10

Timeform focus on a handicap chase from Catterick

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide for a class 3 handicap chase at Catterick...

Lease Lend has made frame all 6 starts at Wetherby since reappearing in October, but not for first time looked half-hearted when third there last week, and is tried in another new combination of headgear now.

Brave Spartacus has been hugely progressive, making all here on his last 3 completed starts, 2 of them at this trip. Raised 18 lbs since his latest success a month ago, though, and may not get it all his own way up front.

Shangani matched winning hurdles form when third on chase bow at Warwick (2m) in November and took step forward when making all in 7-runner 2m handicap at Sandown earlier this month. Makes the shortlist.

Mr Syntax got back on an upward curve in a tongue tie in 2011/12, winning at Kelso (17f) in March and good third off this mark at Doncaster (19f) last time, finishing well having been left too much to do. Player.

The Thirsty Bricky won 3 times over fences for this yard last year. Better effort back over hurdles when fourth over 2m at Sedgefield on Boxing Day, though well beaten when falling 2 out at Doncaster since.

Arctic Ben landed 3 handicap chases at up to 2m last season. Below best all 3 starts this term, though has shaped a bit better than bare result last twice and is dropping back to a winnable mark, so respected.

Simonside got back on the scoreboard over hurdles at Aintree (2m) in October, but lacks substance for chasing, and latest effort when second of 4 at Sedgefield leaves him with plenty to find.

French Ties was a three-time scorer over fences last season despite jumping poorly at times. Possibly needed run after over 6 months off when seventh at Cheltenham (21f) in December, but comes with risks attached.

Diamond Frontier registered third chasing win at Wetherby (2m) in December 2011. Not at same level since, but took step back in right direction when second over C&D earlier this month, and on a handy mark.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mr Syntax
2. Arctic Ben
3. Lease Lend

Timeform View: There should be no shortage of pace here with several horses that like to be ridden prominently in opposition, and with that in mind it may be worth taking a chance on Mr Syntax, who though not the most fluent over fences may have the race run to suit. Arctic Ben and Lease Lend are taken to follow him home.

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