2:05 Uttoxeter Tips

The 6-year-old was a close runner-up in his last three runs during the spring. He came back four weeks ago, after a six-month break, with a cosy 3L, 13-runner handicap chase win. More improvement is to come. 26f on slow ground is ideal, and a higher mark might not stop him.

The Venetia Williams stable has been showing signs recently that it may be returning to form. Their Jo Lescribaa is one of the youngest in the race, and since being sent over fences last season he has looked like he was improving with every run. He finished third on his chase over three miles at Ludlow in November 2024 before improving on that with a battling win over the same distance here in December. Next time out he made all for an easy win at Chepstow on heavy ground. His last run, when third at Hereford, was a bit disappointing, but I think he can bounce back here.

This is quite competitive for the grade, with 4 of the 8 runners last time out winners. This fella has shown a real liking for this track. Form figures 24214 at this course. He's 3 lbs below that winning mark currently (essentially 2 lbs higher with no 5 lbs claiming jockey on board this time). His CD win (his sole chase win) came in a similar race to this one, finding plenty under pressure to fend off Gold Emery by just under 2 lengths. A solid enough win given how poorly he jumped. He's had a recent pipe-opener, finishing a fair third behind Betterforeveryone, beaten 14 lengths. He gets a 5 lbs weight swing with the winner this time. With that initial run under his belt, a return to this track, and being upped in trip, they should see him in a much better light this time.

Kayf Tara, 8yo, has won three of seven chase starts, all at three miles. Bottom of the handicap in this Class 4 handicap chase. Winner on the penultimate start in March. Lorcan Williams has twice ridden the horse to success in the past. Has run well in the past following a break.