David Lloyd Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 4m 13.30s

Desque De L'Isle²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 117| CD

6/4

Improved when scoring readily over this C&D on return in October. Far too keen under a 10 lb claimer at Wincanton last time and, with the benefit of stronger handling here, he's a key player.

Form: 3P-1435

File Illico^p²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 115| CD

4/1

Made a winning chase debut over C&D in October, and added to that when rallying well in first-time cheekpieces to get the better of next-time-out winner Relkadam at Wetherby last month. Up 5 lb.

Form: 86-1461

Rose Sea Has^h²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 112| D

3/1

Record over fences is modest (1-15), but to his credit he has found just one too good on 3 of his last 4 starts, including when clear of the rest at Chepstow last time. Should make his presence felt.

Form: 6-62272

Court Royale⁸⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 111| D

18/1

Good second back from a break over hurdles at Fontwell in September, but he was beaten a country mile back in this sphere at Kempton last time.

Form: 5P6269

Billingsley²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Jay Tidball⁽¹⁰⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 103| D

5/1

Completed a hat-trick in 2m handicap chases in 2019, but it's been a struggle since and there were no signs of an imminent revival at Chepstow last month.

Form: 6PP-065

Yourholidayisover^p¹⁹

Age: 15| Weight: 10-0| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: G Howell| OR: 76

40/1

Irresolute veteran who boasts a very poor strike rate and doesn't make much appeal from 15 lb out of the handicap.

Form: P-P5652

Forecasts

Desque De L'Isle (6/4), Rose Sea Has (3/1), File Illico (4/1), Billingsley (5/1), Court Royale (18/1), Yourholidayisover (40/1)

Back at the scene of his cosy reappearance success in October, DESQUE DE L'ISLE could be the answer. He has contested higher-grade handicaps than this on his 3 subsequent starts and the return to a left-handed track will be very much in his favour. File Illico demonstrated a willing attitude at Wetherby and is next on the list ahead of Rose Sea Has.