Ladies Day Sunday 16th August Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

5YO plus | Class 4 | 3m 1f 185y | 5 Runners | Turf

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 110

Produced a performance in keeping with pick of his French form when registering a first chase success on these shores at Lingfield (23.5f) in January. Found himself stretched by marathon trip/stronger company when pulled up at Exeter since and this rates more suitable.

Form: 1-3551P

Lilting Verse^t²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: Fern O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 110

7/2

Hurdles/chase winner who resumed from 6 months off/breathing operation with a good second at Ffos Las (25f) in October and dispelled a pair of lesser displays when fourth behind Smurfette here (3m) 3 weeks ago. However, consistency not her strong point nowadays.

Form: 25-2574

Copshill Lad^p⁸⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 108

7/4

Made winning return chase debut at Hereford (25f) in November and similar form when third from 2 lb higher mark over same C&D later that month. Jumping failed to pass muster when fifth in Lincolnshire National latest but return to calmer waters can see him to better effect.

Form: 535-135

Smurfette²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Miss Gina Andrews| T: T Ellis| OR: 106| C

11/8

Scored twice over fences in 2024 and returned from a spell on the sidelines better than ever, placed on first 2 starts this winter prior to resuming winning ways in smooth style over 3m here 3 weeks ago. Big player nudged up 3 lb.

Form: 131-231

I Am Rocco¹³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Lewis Stones⁽³⁾| T: C Fryer| OR: 99

16/1

Remains a maiden after 22 runs but he ran well in finishing placed on first 4 starts for Tom Ellis during second half of last year. Pulled up on final start for that yard at Market Rasen (21f) in November and return to this longer trip may not suit ideally back from 4 months off.

Form: 6-3322P

Forecasts

Smurfette (6/4), Copshill Lad (3/1), Icaque de L'Isle (7/2), Lilting Verse (5/1), I Am Rocco (14/1)

SMURFETTE showed a good attitude when resuming winning ways over 3m here 3 weeks ago and a 3-lb rise on the back of that shouldn't prevent her going well again. Copshill Lad and Icaque de L'isle will each find this less demanding than their most recent assignment and can provide chief resistance.