Coventry Telegraph Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:20 | Winning time: 3m 59.2s

Regulation¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Bryony Frost| T: N B King| OR: 120| C| D

2/1

Has made an immediate impact since switching to chasing with two wins and two solid efforts since. Led at a strong pace and rallied well behind Atlantic Storm last time over this C&D. Faces a challenge for the lead but likely to go close again.

Form: F-P1132

Little Pop^h,t⁵⁹⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 118| D

10/1

Pulled up twice in decent company when last seen way back in December 2017. Returns from the huge absence on last winning mark and has fresh form. One to note in the betting market.

Form: 3112PP/

Hidden Charmer^b,t¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: R Johnson| T: R G Hawker| OR: 115

5/2

Took a four-runner hunter chase in April (first run for former yard). Improved with each of three runs for current stable and a close front running second over 2m3.5f here in first time blinkers (retained). Could go well but drop in trip a concern.

Form: 13-5562

King Alfonso¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Ben Jones⁽⁷⁾| T: D Burchell| OR: 115| D

6/1

Bounced back to form over hurdles when third at Carlisle last month. Remains 2lb higher than last win and another who likes to race on the pace. Could go well although others likely better handicapped at present.

Form: 164-053

Atlantic Storm^t¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: James Best| T: B R Summers| OR: 112| CD

5/2

Ran on well from of the pace to beat Regulation over this C&D last time and now up 4lb. Remains on a good mark having gone close off 5lb higher in the past and the race may be run to suit again. Rates the one to beat again.

Form: 543-351

Non-Runners

Royal Plaza³⁹

Weight: 11-7| Age: 8

T: Mrs K Stephens J: Mr Joshua Newman

Forecasts

Regulation (2/1), Atlantic Storm (5/2), Hidden Charmer (5/2), King Alfonso (6/1), Royal Plaza (8/1), Little Pop (10/1)

A small field but a race filled with runners liking to race from the front or on the pace. Regulation has made a fine start to chasing and set a strong pace when finishing second to ATLANTIC STORM over this C&D in a race backed up by a good time. The latter should again have the race run to suit. Hidden Charmer is respected but with the pace on offer over a trip this short he may be vulnerable. Little Pop is the unknown quantity following a significant break.