8:45 Chepstow Tips

The step up to 2m could be the making of Casual Encounter after running respectably over 12f the last twice. Being a 3yo, she looks to have plenty of improvement.

Nearest at the finish over this trip at Catterick under today's jockey when 3rd of 7, beaten by 1.25 lengths off this mark on penultimate start. Will welcome the extra 2 furlongs after racing over a mile and three quarters at Chelmsford last time out.

Black Smoke is in stall number 3, running off a mark of 51. The 8-year-old gelding has won once and placed once from eight runs at this handicap level, a 12.5% win and place strike rate. He has won at this class level with a 13.33% strike rate overall. He wears a tongue strap and blinkers, with a 12% win rate when wearing either. Usually consistent but below form last time out over 1m6f. Back on his last winning mark and more effective on AW surfaces and being trained by D M Loughnane with Edward Greatrex riding, he could be a winner here.

A low-grade 2m handicap. The 4yo can be a little hit or miss, but he does have three career wins. He’s fine with the fast ground, down to an attractive mark. He’s running in a very weak handicap, and the good apprentice claiming 7lb can only improve his chances.

Having gone 29 races without a win in 2023, this 10-year-old is in need of a turnaround. He finished 6th in a handicap at Bath 18 days ago. A major rebound is required, but the jockey's 7lb claim should help ease the pressure, making the veteran a promising each-way choice at 33/1.