Weatherbys Stallion Book Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 7.64s

Presentandcounting²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 121

2/1

Twice a winner in small-field contests in 2023. Largely underwhelming since but hinted at a revival in first-time cheekpieces when fourth of 6 at Ludlow (23.8f, good) in October. Pulled up next time, though he's not dismissed from his current mark.

Form: 8-4544P

Just Loose Change¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: James Bowen| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 113

4/6

Dual winner over hurdles who ran well when making the frame twice last season. Offered little on chase debut but much improved when rallying for success in novices' handicap at Huntingdon (23.6f, good) 19 days ago. The one to beat.

Form: 924-U41

Mister Bells^p³³

Age: 10| Weight: 10-9| J: Emma Smith-Chaston⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 102| CD

7/1

Took advantage of a much-reduced mark having his first start in veterans' company at this C&D (soft) in February. Looked rusty after 6 months off when pulled up at Sedgefield in October, but he needs to leave his recent run well behind.

Form: 53133-P

Forecasts

Just Loose Change (4/6), Presentandcounting (2/1), Mister Bells (7/1)

JUST LOOSE CHANGE proved a different proposition to on chasing debut when successful at Huntingdon last time, suited by the step up in trip, and he can build on that effort to follow up. The biggest threat could come from Presentandcounting, who has now dropped to 13 lb below his last winning mark.