CLOSE BROTHERS CHASE

5.30: HANDICAP — 2 MILES AND 4 FURLONGS

DE PLOTTING SHED has been a long-term fancy in the ante-post betting since the markets opened and connections believe they have a very well handicapped horse, capable of delivering a huge performance.

His claims are tough to resist given the might of his stable, but the market is aware of his chance and there could be a little more juice in the price of MISTER WHITAKER who sits at the foot of the handicap after somehow managing to sneak into this race.

It looked like the six-yearold was too well handicapped as he required a host of horses to come out to get a run, but he could prove a threat to all now he has made the line up.

His defeat of Theatre Territory on Trials Day was achieved in cosy fashion as he pulled himself up when he hit the front, and his style of racing should be well suited to Brian Hughes who likes to delay his challenge as late as possible.

Any Second Now has been chasing Footpad round all winter which has ensured that he looks like a big player returning to today’s trip.