Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:45 | Winning time: 5m 19.03s

Duke Des Champs⁶⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 130

15/8

No win from four attempts over fences, but ran well for a long time at Exeter (3m, good to soft) latest and can't be dismissed complete with Richard Johnson returning in the plate over a trip that will suit.

Form: 36/23-74

The Kings Writ⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: K Woollacott| OR: 130

13/8

Looked the sure winner when falling at the last at Chepstow in November but gained compensation at Exeter (2m3f, heavy) before Christmas and far from disgraced since in Cheltenham Grade 3 handicap. Has to have claims in this field.

Form: 221-F14

Pressurize³²⁸

Age: 13| Weight: 11-5| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 125

7/1

Teenager now, but his most recent win came at Chepstow under similar conditions on his reappearance last year. Not at the same level after but 4lb lower now and worth a market check on return to action.

Form: 1P5765-

Lord Bryan^t⁵²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 124

4/1

Suited by this course and predicted state of the ground. Needs to find a little more near the finish than he did at Newbury (3m, good) in January but drop in distance may assist in that regard.

Form: 311-394

Tara Bridge^p1²²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 120| C

16/1

Lightly-raced 11-y-o who won twice over fences last season, including here over 2m. Stamina isn't proven over this longer journey and that is a worry. Cheekpieces added.

Form: 211F-57

Forecasts

The Kings Writ (13/8), Duke Des Champs (15/8), Lord Bryan (4/1), Pressurize (7/1), Tara Bridge (16/1)

Having run a fairly decent race at Cheltenham on Trials in January against better rivals than these, THE KINGS WRIT is worth supporting for a second success in four starts this season with Harry Cobden (successful in their only race together) back on top. Both Duke Des Champs and Lord Bryan could benefit from being dropped in distance and are of interest while the returning Pressurize is worth a market check on what might prove the best day to catch him.