Wymeswold Veterans' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 5m 40.5s

The Romford Pele³⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 147

9/4

More than decent chaser at his best for Rebecca Curtis and winning start for this yard in veterans contest at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) in October. Raised 5lb for that win, should go well again over reduced trip.

Form: 14PPP-1

Loose Chips^b²¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-7| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 142

6/1

Front-runner who scored in fine style at Ascot (3m, good) in April, hasn't been able to see his races out in either start this term but could be a threat if getting up to full tilt now.

Form: 3251-P3

Fox Appeal^t,v²²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 141

9/2

Two-time winner in open handicap company last season, went well in this sphere at Chepstow in October (second) and tough assignment next time in the Badger Ales at Wincanton. Yard in excellent form and looks a key player.

Form: 1-27425

Masters Hill^b,t³⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 10-11| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 132| D

10/1

Now 11-years-old and has never been the most prolific (3-28 all told), has been poor recently and was tailed off at Aintree behind The Romford Pele latest. Big ask to turn things around.

Form: F2327-0

Astracad^t³⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 10-8| J: Jamie Bargary⁽³⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 129

7/2

Landed one of these over 2m4f at Cheltenham in November 2016, in and out in six outings since and not the most reliable customer. Sound effort behind The Romford Pele at Aintree in October when third and shorter journey ought to suit now.

Form: 9284-P3

Grandads Horse¹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-3| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 124

9/2

Has served connections wonderfully well in his career, with a 27% strike rate (12-44) to this point. Returned from 479 days away to finish ½L third of six at Ayr (3m½f, heavy) last month and cannot be ruled receiving weight all round.

Form: 00/P36-3

Forecasts

The Romford Pele (9/4), Astracad (7/2), Fox Appeal (9/2), Grandads Horse (9/2), Loose Chips (6/1), Masters Hill (10/1)

THE ROMFORD PELE made a winning start for Tom George at Aintree in October, with a couple of these behind him, and this shorter trip shouldn't inconvenience him too much. He carries an extra 5lb now but has the class to win again if in similar mood. Loose Chips will give it a bold sight from the front end in all probability and could be coming to the boil on his third start this term. At full pelt, he's a danger to all. Fox Appeal was asked a tough question at Wincanton last time, and should find this more to his liking while the admirable Grandads Horse isn't to be discounted despite the feeling he'd prefer a further test of stamina.