Molson Coors Final Chance To Qualify Mares' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 7m 7.6s

Lilith^t,v²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Rex Dingle| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 118

7/1

Notched third success over fences at Carlisle last term and resumed winning ways in unimpressive fashion in that corresponding event last month, looking held 2 out. In process of running below that form when departing at Taunton since, weakening behind stablemate Juniper when falling heavily 3 out.

Form: 3-6741F

Juniper^t²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: H Cobden| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 118

5/6

Won twice for Harry Whittington in 2022/23 and left yard/reappearance effort in her wake when readily landing 4-runner mares' handicap at Taunton (21.7f) 4 weeks ago, going well when left clear 3 out. Remains low mileage for her age and big shout back up in trip.

Form: 1PP2-P1

Touchy Feely¹³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 117

7/1

Won first 2 starts over hurdles last season. Not up to Grade 2 company at Sandown next time but disappointed following a breathing operation and a 12-week break at Ffos Las in May. Struck into when pulled up on chase bow at Kempton in November on return so worth another chance. Up in trip.

Form: 2115-4P

Shirocco's Dream^t⁷⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 112| DWS

9/2

Enhanced good record fresh when making all at Hereford (25.2f) in November. Found things tougher in class 2 company next time and probably didn't go off fast enough when done for speed back down in trip at Huntingdon since. Not taken lightly back from a break.

Form: 42-2154

Whatsdastory^b²⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: Lee Edwards| T: Dr R Newland & J Insole| OR: 104

15/2

Often gives her running so no surprise to see her back on track when 11 lengths second of 4 to Juniper in handicap chase (5/1) at Taunton (21.7f, heavy) 27 days ago. Let down by jumping on that occasion and 6 lb better off with the winner here, so entitled to finish a bit closer.

Form: 22-5342

Forecasts

Juniper (5/6), Shirocco's Dream (9/2), Lilith (7/1), Touchy Feely (7/1), Whatsdastory (15/2)

JUNIPER impressed with her jumping when resuming winning ways on just her second start for this yard at Taunton last month and a 4 lb rise may well underestimate this low-mileage 10-y-o. Shirocco's Dream has had excuses since making a winning return at Hereford so may pose the biggest threat.