Coast And Country Estate Agents Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 5m 4.47s

Opening Bid^p¹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 12-1| J: Callum Pritchard⁽⁵⁾| T: C J Down| OR: 121| CD

2/1

Won 5 times in 2023/24 and returned to winning ways at Exeter in October. Disappointed next 2 starts but back to best when second at Uttoxeter on return 11 days ago, albeit flattered by his proximity to the winner. Front runner.

Form: 35194-2

Somespring Special^t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 120

10/3

Made a successful start for this stable at Wincanton in March, coming clear with plenty in hand from one that scored next time. Beaten only by a subsequent winner at Cheltenham since and solid claims once again.

Form: 1/54012-

Sherborne^t³³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Freddie Gingell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 116| C

9/4

Better than ever of late, winning 2 of his last 3 starts, including at Fontwell last month. On a career-high mark now but respected in current mood.

Form: 224141-

Time To Bite^b⁹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: David Noonan| T: C Honour| OR: 99| CD

7/2

Won this last year and arrives at the top his game having won 3 of his last 4 starts (defeat came on heavy going), including at Warwick last week in decisive fashion. Likely to go well again under a penalty.

Form: P7115-1

Non-Runners

Paddy De Pole²⁴⁷

Weight: 11-9| Age: 7

T: P F Nicholls J: H Cobden

Forecasts

Opening Bid (2/1), Sherborne (9/4), Somespring Special (10/3), Time To Bite (7/2), Paddy De Pole (11/2)

Claims can be made for all 5 but SOMESPRING SPECIAL arguably has the strongest case on the back of 2 very solid runs for her new stable. Last year's winner Time To Bite arrives at the top of his game so rates the main threat.