Lexus Stoke Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:22 | Winning time: 4m 53.30s

Midnight Maestro^p²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 12-2| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 122

3/1

Has some modest form over hurdles but is still looking for his opening success since going chasing. Produced his best appearance to date last time in his sixth start over fences when he was fourth of 12 at Stratford (2m6½f). One to consider.

Form: 0F-3554

Greybougg^t1¹⁸⁹

11/2

Scored for the first time over fences over this C&D in August 2017 but has not added to his tally since then. Unseated his rider last time at Catterick (1m7½f). Has had a wind-op and tongue-tie is on for the first time. Best to watch for now.

Form: 65P/93U-

Still Believing¹⁴⁴

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 116| C| D

20/1

Experienced mare who has won five times over fences. Was third of seven last time at Haydock (2m5½f). Has been eased 2lb here and is down in trip which will help. Needs to improve on recent form though.

Form: 181363-

Samson^b1¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 115| C| D

5/2

Broke his maiden over fences at Worcester (2m4f) three starts back. Has been unable to follow it up in two runs since, with his latest outing coming over hurdles at Fontwell (2m3f). Blinkers on for the first time. Big player on return to chasing.

Form: 425-144

Elkstone^h⁵⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: James Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 113

15/2

Scored three times over fences in 2018. He has been a long way behind in his four starts this year though, including latest at Southwell (3m) when he was fifth of eight. Down in trip now. Others preferred.

Form: 15-4435

Beni Light¹¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Ben Jones⁽⁷⁾| T: D A Rees| OR: 90

11/4

Was successful twice in point-to-points earlier this year but is still a maiden under Rules. Has changed yards recently so he is making his first appearance since then. One for the shortlist as he looks to transfer his form to Rules.

Form: 8462-11

Forecasts

Samson (5/2), Beni Light (11/4), Midnight Maestro (3/1), Greybougg (11/2), Elkstone (15/2), Still Believing (20/1)

SAMSON has had success in chasing over this distance and he is likely to enjoy his return to fences here. He still looks to be off a winnable mark and the blinkers should help so take the gelding to record his second victory in this contest. Midnight Maestro was not too far away last time off this mark at Stratford where the trip was slightly too far for him. This distance will help his chances, while Beni Light has been in good form in point-to-points and may improve for a switch in yards so expect him to be not too far away.