Herbert R. Thomas Auctioneers Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 7m 41.00s

Alberto's Dream²⁷⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Katy Price| OR: 112

20/1

First run for this yard, previously with Tom Lacey; thrived in 2018 for that yard winning four handicap chases in a row (all on soft/heavy). Very lightly-raced since that victorious spree (below form); back from an absence, hard to predict.

Form: 1112/75-

Frankly Speaking^p³⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: James Nixon⁽⁵⁾| T: T Symonds| OR: 110

2/1

Still a maiden over fences but ran his best race last time here over 3m having had a wind op, shaping better than the 8L he was beaten (bad mistake at the last). Cheekpieces need to work again and he's not without risks; will handle conditions.

Form: 2/748P-2

Lac Sacre^b,t²²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones⁽⁵⁾| T: J L Flint| OR: 105| BF| C

4/1

Three-time course winner; took advantage of being given a chance by the handicapper when winning by 12L over 3m in April. Only seen twice since and would have needed the run last time (went in snatches); 10lb higher than his last win, stiff task.

Form: 4PP1F-2

Tudors Treasure²⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: T J O'Brien| T: R Stephens| OR: 103| C

6/1

Won his last two starts over fences in the spring at Exeter over 2m3f each time going from the front and responding well to pressure. Unexposed in this sphere but does have to overcome an absence, trip and a 9lb higher mark than when last seen.

Form: FP4711-

Cruising Bye^p,t²⁴

Age: 13| Weight: 10-9| J: James Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 93| C

8/1

Course winner but isn't getting any younger representing a yard that look badly out of sorts at the moment (no winner since September). Can be lazy in his races and makes mistakes; checked out tamely over 3m here last time, others appeal more.

Form: 26634P

Conas Taoi^p¹⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-9| J: Jack Tudor⁽⁷⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 93| C| D

13/8

Ended a long spell without a win when taking a Carlisle staying chase (3m2f) in February off a 6lb lower mark. Run with credit since and returned from an absence with a respectable third last time at Hereford; stays well, cheekpieces back on.

Form: 13333-3

Non-Runners

Definately Vinnie¹⁸

Weight: 10-7| Age: 9

T: Miss Jane Mathias J: Lorcan Williams

Forecasts

Conas Taoi (13/8), Frankly Speaking (2/1), Definately Vinnie (10/3), Lac Sacre (4/1), Tudors Treasure (6/1), Cruising Bye (8/1), Alberto's Dream (20/1)

There are various angles that you can approach this tricky handicap from and kudos should be given to DEFINATELY VINNIE despite still being a maiden over fences. He came very close to changing that statistic last time when just caught close home by one who was well-in off her mark and a similar run will see him go close. Frankly Speaking made an encouraging return to action via a wind op when taking second here last time with the winner boosting the form subsequently, the cheekpieces need to work again. Conas Taoi has the credentials to win a race such as this although his stable could be in better form whilst the trip and ground throw question marks over the chance of Tudors Treasure.