Royal Lancers Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 4m 15.17s

Falco Des Pins¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 96| D

9/5

Offered little in 4 hurdle starts upon joining present stable last season but stepped up with each outing this time around, capitalising on a falling mark in 8-runner handicap chase at Ludlow (2m) 16 days ago. Had bit to spare then and shortlisted in follow-up bid.

Form: 888-631

Lucky Lugger^p,t²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 94| D

5/2

Opened his account off 9 lb higher mark at Uttoxeter 13 months ago. Largely out of sorts thereafter but stopped the slide to some extent when third in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago. Now his task is to build on that effort.

Form: P46P43

Urblereagh^t²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Rian Corcoran⁽⁷⁾| T: T R Gretton| OR: 85

4/1

Low mileage 9-y-o who matched pick of his hurdles form on first try in this sphere when fourth in 8-runner C&D handicap 22 days ago. However, he will need to take a step forward if he's to play a prominent role here.

Form: 6/6-744

Night Jet^b²²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Benjamin Poste| T: T Symonds| OR: 80| CD

3/1

Sole success to date came over C&D 13 months ago and posted best effort since attempting for back-to-back successes in that race when runner-up 22 days ago. Blinkers worn then retained here and a repeat should see him very competitive again.

Form: 14-6532

Non-Runners

Grain Trade³³

Weight: 11-11| Age: 7

T: Billy Aprahamian J: K Brogan

Forecasts

Falco Des Pins (9/5), Lucky Lugger (5/2), Night Jet (3/1), Grain Trade (7/2), Urblereagh (4/1)

FALCO DES PINS seemingly showed the benefit of a recent wind operation and confirmed promise of his previous start in the process when opening his account over fences at Ludlow 16 days ago. Venetia Williams' 6-y-o had a bit to spare then and earns the vote to follow up from a 6 lb higher mark. Recent C&D second Night Jet and Grain Trade are others holding solid claims.