David Johnson 'DJ' 'Johnno' Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 6m 18.09s

Italian Spirit^p¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Miss Megan Bevan⁽⁷⁾| T: H Dickin| OR: 92

11/1

Maiden hurdle winner for Olly Murphy back in 2021 but not looked the same force since returning from a lengthy absence for present yard, never a threat when third of 6 in handicap chase at this course (20.1f, soft) 12 days ago. Eased further 5 lb but others far more convincing.

Form: 3P/3-853

Just In A Bit⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 90| BF

4/1

Lightly-raced 8-y-o who shaped well when runner-up on chasing bow at Worcester in summer 2024 and, following 20 months off, shaped as if he'd come on for the run when third of 11 in handicap chase at Hereford (25.2f, soft) 43 days ago. Surprise were he not capable of better in this sphere.

Form: 3834/2-3

John W Creasy²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Bryan Carver| T: C Honour| OR: 88

14/1

Successful twice in soft/heavy last winter but has yet to fire in trio of starts this season and he still needs to conclusively prove he stays this far.

Form: 261-P5P

Nine Nine Nine^p³⁵

5/2

Both career victories have come here and no surprise that each of this season's best efforts have come at this track, pulling clear of the remainder when second of 9 in a C&D handicap 5 weeks ago. Should give another good account following wind surgery.

Form: P4-5272

Ronnies Reflection^t³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: J M Quinlan| T: B I Case| OR: 84| CD

4/1

Both career victories gained at this C&D, including this race 12 months ago. Performed with credit on 2 of his 4 starts this campaign, dispelling a lesser run without threatening easy winner when runner-up at Lingfield (20f, soft) 5 weeks back. Lines up on a competitive mark.

Form: 1P-25P2

Delgany Deadline^p,t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 82| BF

3/1

Maiden hurdler who was equipped with first-time cheekpieces and shaped as if ahead of his basement mark for a long way when second of 11 in handicap chase at Sedgefield (26.3f, soft) 30 days ago, no extra run-in. Ease back down in trip a plus on that evidence and big shout with better still to come.

Form: 652-432

The Brickey Ranger^p1¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: Paul O'Brien| T: J W Mullins| OR: 75

12/1

Has no form outside of Irish points/hunters not for the first time failing to last home when a well held fourth of 6 in handicap chase at this course (20.1f, soft) 12 days ago. Cheekpieces now reached for but others look make much more appeal.

Form: 60-8474

Forecasts

Nine Nine Nine (5/2), Delgany Deadline (3/1), Ronnies Reflection (4/1), Just In A Bit (4/1), Italian Spirit (11/1), The Brickey Ranger (12/1), John W Creasy (14/1)

DELGANY DEADLINE shaped as if some way ahead of his basement mark before being picked up by a similarly unexposed type on just his second chase start at Sedgefield 4 weeks ago. This drop back in trip looks a plus on that evidence and he can make a bold bid with further progress in the offing. Just In A Bit appeals as the type to do better yet and he's next best. Last year's winner Ronnies Reflection and Nine Nine Nine, who has an excellent record here, complete the shortlist.