J M Finn 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 3 | 2m 6f 93y | 3 Runners | Turf

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 133

Successful Irish pointer who showed fairly useful winning form over hurdles last term. Positive start to his chase career when third in 2½m Cheltenham handicap on reappearance in November. Open to progress now stepping back up in trip.

Form: 1/1467-3

Lucky Place²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 152| BF

Smart hurdler last term, bagging Grade 2s at Ascot and Cheltenham. Travelled well but capitulated quickly in the straight when last of 3 on Ascot chase debut/reappearance. Subsequently found to have scoped dirty and has the potential to leave that form behind now.

Form: 4/1174-3

Regent's Stroll^h¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| BF| C

Course bumper/hurdle winner who was second in Grade 1 novice hurdle on final run last term. Jumped boldly in lead long way when third in 2½m Grade 2 novice here on chase debut/return 19 days ago. Sure to improve, particularly if refitted hood helps him settle better. Engaged 12.30 Wincanton Tuesday.

Form: 14212-3

Forecasts

Lucky Place (1/1), Regent's Stroll (11/10), Jig's Forge (10/1)

A possible excuse emerged for LUCKY PLACE's slightly underwhelming chase debut at Ascot last month and he's taken to make it second time lucky in this sphere, although Regent's Stroll would be a potential big threat if showing up here rather than at Wincanton on Tuesday.