PAINTER MAN might represent value in this competitive handicap chase, with Dune Raider and Newbay Bob solid alternatives to our each-way selection. David Pipe's gelding hasn't had much racing and seems to act on any ground. He's dropped a few pounds in the ratings since a reasonable fourth last time and our feeling is this step up in trip could bring about plenty of improvement, so we'll take a chance at a potentially nice price. Dune Raider is up 4lbs for taking second last time but the pair were clear that day so the rise seems fair. Further respect is given as the race was here at Wincanton under almost identical conditions so with the stable remaining amongst the winners this one may start favourite and rightly so. We're taking a chance in taking him on, but it'd be no surprise were David Evans' charge too good for these. Newbay Bob won last time at Exeter over three miles so there are no stamina concerns. He's another for whom the ground will be ideal and that win capped a solid run of efforts so he's got claims, although we feel his winning may be done for now. Maori Legend could reverse previous form with Wizard Of Edge here but that may still not be enough, whilst Double The Trouble has it all to do off top weight here. Lavenoak Lad is largely consistent but is held by a couple of these on previous running and that should be upheld, so in a tight enough race we'll return to Painter Man who might be the value call.
Double The Trouble 16-1 (11-12) In touch, took keen hold, blundered 4th, hit 9th, not fluent 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 10, 21l behind Double Mead (11-12) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Dec.
Newbay Bob 11-4fav (10-9) Made virtually all, kept narrow advantage when pressed from 11th, left with advantage 3 out, tired jumping last, rider dropped whip flat, pushed along, kept on well, won at Exeter 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft beating Son Histoire (11-4) by 1l, 7 ran.
Painter Man (FR) 6-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 6, 8l behind Noble Bily (10-10) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Dune Raider (USA) 12-1 (10-7) Prominent, chased winner from 13th, every chance 3 out, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 8, hd behind Midnight Haze (11-12) at Wincanton 3m 1f cnd hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
Maori Legend 9-2fav (10-3) Chased leaders, mistake 2 out, hit last, went 2nd after last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Wizard of Edge (10-4) at Taunton 3m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Lavenoak Lad 9-1 (11-0) Always in rear, ridden and struggling after 9th, tailed off, 5th of 9, 27l behind Wizard of Edge (10-4) at Taunton 3m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Wizard of Edge 4-1 (10-9) Towards rear, tailed off from 13th, left remote 4th 3 out, 4th of 8, well behind Midnight Haze (11-12) at Wincanton 3m 1f cnd hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
Master Cobbler (IRE) 18-1 (10-0) Chased leader, not fluent 11th, lost 2nd approaching 3 out and weakened before next, 5th of 9, 17l behind Too Forward (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan.
