2.45pm Worcester Tips & Betting Preview 25/10/2017

2.45pm Worcester tips for Wednesday’s Class 3 race. A deep line-up for this novices’ handicap chase, with the majority of this field all looking as if they will be better chasers than hurdlers. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: PICKAMIX improved for the step up to this trip over hurdles before a smart chasing debut behind Adrien Du Pont. He faces nothing of that quality in this contest and can put his previous chasing experience to good use. Solomn Grundy is one to follow as the season continues on softer ground rather than today with his yard currently out of form. Sparkling River is another who would appreciated deeper ground so perhaps Scotchtown will prove the biggest danger to the selection, a lightly raced hurdler who looks sure to improve over fences.

1 SCOTCHTOWN – Showed steady improvement last season, until well beaten on his final start of the season in February. Yet to win in either start fresh which is a slight concern, but any rain would strengthen his chance in a discipline where he promises do better.

2 SOLOMN GRUNDY – Progression halted in the spring from similar marks on quick ground, but had previously looked an improver. No issues with the trip on this chasing debut but the yard are scuffling for form and ideally needs a little rain.

3 ROLLING DYLAN – Just outstayed by one of our ‘chasers to follow’ when last seen. That was at Hereford in pretty desperate conditions, though he does handle it soft. Has a bit to find with Solomn Grundy on a line through Shantou Bob from last season.

4 PICKAMIX – Improved for the step up to this trip over hurdles. He jumped well on his chasing debut, running the smart Adrien Du Pont as close as could have been expected. Nothing of that class in here, with this mark looking well within his grasp, the one to beat.

5 FORTUNATE GEORGE – Jumped stickily when well behind Pickamix at Fontwell last time. He improved all season over hurdles last year, taking home a tidy prize at Uttoxeter from a pound lower. Well treated on that, but his lack of fluency on chasing debut is a big concern.

6 THE WALLACE LINE – Went close to ending a long losing run on a pair of occasions earlier in the year, having slipped a long way in the weights. Not the sweetest traveller nor the biggest for fences so probably best watched on his chasing debut.

7 SPARKLING RIVER – Best performances have come on deep ground so she will be looking for plenty of rain on her chasing debut. Solid form in point to points so should make an impact in this discipline, but maybe more of a midwinter prospect.

8 REMIND ME LATER – Already has plenty of chasing experience in the book. Is a point to point winner at this trip so perhaps the step back up to it will bring about improvement, He needs it to if he is to cope with the better looking prospects at the top of the weights however.

9 ALF ‘N’ DOR – Last of four on his chase debut, he wasn’t entitled to beat his rivals at the weights. Just two pounds higher than when winning last season over hurdles, he should do better for his recent return but this is a deeper contest.