5.30pm Sedgefield Tips & Betting Preview 31/08/2017

A field of five go to post for this interesting handicap chase at Sedgefield on Thursday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: PEMBA has posted some solid form over fences thus far and can gain a deserved first success over these obstacles for Fergal O’Brien. He is a front-runner who should be able to gain a soft lead here and can dominate from the front under Paddy Brennan. His chasing mark is seven pounds below his hurdling one so there should be much more to come from him in this sphere, with this race a perfect chance for him to gain a first chasing success.

1 ASHOKA – Five year old for the in form Dan Skelton team who was rated 120 over hurdles, making his chasing debut today. He was in a rich vein of form earlier this year, winning twice before a good third at Warwick in May. He has struggled the last twice, well beaten at both Aintree and Worcester so he does arrive with a point to prove on his first attempt of the bigger obstacles. He has to be respected and should go close here if his jumping holds up.

2 CAPSY DE MEE – Lightly raced sort for Jamie Snowden who ran well on his handicap/chasing debut at Stratford, jumping well and only headed late on by a horse who completed a four timer that day. He is only three pounds higher here and there is likely far more to come from him, with his jumping very solid which is very reassuring. The Snowden yard remains in brilliant form and he looks a key player.

3 PEMBA – Has some fair chase form in the book for Fergal O’Brien including a second place on chasing debut at Warwick behind Top Notch. He was last seen at Stratford where he weakened on the flat and a step back in trip should suit on that evidence as he was only five lengths behind Capsy De Mee. He should be able to dominate this field from the front and can gain a third career victory here.

4 STEALING MIX – Another lightly raced sort who has two attempts at the larger obstacles, finishing second on both occasions. He faced some stern opposition on both occasions, with his jumping letting him down on his latest start where he looked likely to threaten the odds of favourite. With a better round of jumping off the same mark he looks very well treated under Noel Fehily and could be very tough to beat here.

5 PERSEID – Seven year old who has been solidly out of form for a while now for Sue Smith, though with course figures of 11251, he couldn’t be discounted with any great confidence. He was last seen at Hexham when well beaten over the 2m 7f trip and he is interesting dropped to a trip that he has won over in the past. That said, he obviously comes with risks attached and couldn’t be backed with any confidence at present.