Manpower Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:51 | Winning time: 7m 25.1s

Billy Bronco^p²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: Evan Williams| OR: 117

11/2

Scored over fences for the first time three starts back at Exeter (3m) in an 11 runner field, where the margin of victory was just ½L Could only finish sixth of eight last time at Stratford (2m6½f). Needs to bounce back from his latest effort.

Form: 04U14-6

Another Emotion^p²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Adrian Heskin| T: W Greatrex| OR: 117

11/4

Was a winner over hurdles at Ffos Las (2m4f) on just his second start under Rules. Appeared over fences for the first time on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow (3m2f) where he finished seventh of 12. Improvement can't be ruled out here.

Form: 21/247-7

Sandhurst Lad^p³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Mrs A C Hamilton| OR: 114

16/1

Gained his first chase success at Wincanton (3m1f) back in February. Has hit the frame twice since then, however, he was a long way off the winner on his latest outing at Carlisle (2m4f). Others appeal more.

Form: 43132-6

Exit To Where^p,t²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 108

9/2

Remains a maiden after 12 races, however, he has come close on a few occasions, including last time at Ayr (2m4½f) when he was second of eight. Going back up in trip here. One to consider as he remains off the same mark.

Form: 852-3U2

Late Date¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Alain Cawley| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 107| CD

9/4

Has won three-times over this C&D, with his latest success coming earlier this month when he made most of the running, scoring by 4½L. Has gone up 5lb for that victory, however, he remains a leading contender.

Form: P41P-31

Kings Eclipse⁴⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: R D Day| T: A Wilson| OR: 105| BF| CD

11/2

A C&D winner who was fancied to prevail in a hurdles contest at Hexham (2m7½f) on his latest appearance as he went off as the 3/1 joint-favourite but had to settle for fifth of 10. Back over fences where he is one for the shortlist.

Form: 510-635

Forecasts

Late Date (9/4), Another Emotion (11/4), Exit To Where (9/2), Billy Bronco (11/2), Kings Eclipse (11/2), Sandhurst Lad (16/1)

LATE DATE has prevailed on three occasions over this C&D and he can add to his tally here despite his 5lb rise in the weights. The gelding made almost every yard of the running last time and the way he finished the race suggests there is more to come. Exit To Where was second off this mark on his latest start and from this longer distance, he should be competitive again at this finish, while Kings Eclipse has won over this C&D before and must be respected on his return to fences.