14:25 Cheltenham
Saturday 28 October 2023
All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:45
Epic Jumps Season At William Hill Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- 4YO plus | Class 2 | 3m 1f | Good to Soft | 13 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:28 | Winning time: 6m 34.36s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Most progressive over fences, making it 6 wins from 8 starts when seeing off another improver (pair well clear) at Aintree in May. Denied a clear run at a crucial stage when third in the 16-runner Uttoxeter handicap (3¼m, good) won by Twig next time and should make his presence felt.
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Looked a good prospect when making winning chase debut at Fairyhouse (21f, good) last October. Twice placed in graded events since and probably best to ignore his tame effort when sent off favourite for the Irish National in April (likely he was amiss that day). Remains of interest.
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Good strike rate between the flags and over hurdles, and record in this sphere stands at 4-5 following his victory in a valuable Uttoxeter handicap upped to 3¼m in July (was treated for post-race heat stress). 5 lb rise by no means the end of the world and he's a must for the shortlist.
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Useful chaser when on-song and performed with credit both starts here during 2021/22 campaign. However, he was only seen out twice last season and has failed to fire in 2 appearances (one of which was on the Flat) since returning from a break in September.
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Often let down by his jumping but transformed by a step up to 3m this summer, making all at Southwell and Bangor. before finishing third off this mark at Worcester last time. However, has much more on his plate here and, in any case. Lord Accord appears to be the stable No 1.
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Unreliable sort but turned in one of his better efforts when runner-up in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster (3¼m, good) in March. Failed to fire tried over 31.8f in the Scottish National the following month, but would be a threat if on a going day.
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Boasts some solid pieces of form at Cheltenham, not least when second to Lord Accord in this race 12 months ago. Back on the scoresheet at Perth in April, but this temperamental sort didn't jump at all well at Cartmel since and is probably worth taking on. Blinkers refitted.
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Scored twice over hurdles for Tom Lacey and made it 3 wins from 9 starts in this sphere for Nicky Henderson when making all on return at Ludlow (23.8f, good to soft) recently. Dominating round here in this competitive race will not be easy, though, and an 8 lb rise demands more in any case.
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Decisive winner of this race off just a 1 lb lower mark 12 months ago before finishing a fine second in the Badger Beer at Wincanton. Below par thereafter, but should be spot-on following a spin over hurdles earlier this month and he merits serious consideration.
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Scored at Exeter and over this C&D on first 2 starts in this sphere last winter. However, he proved rather disappointing during the spring and needs to get back on track following a break/wind operation.
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Winner of a Ballinrobe maiden chase last year and doubled his tally over fences when seeing off 9 rivals in a Tramore handicap (21.7f, soft) in August. 5 lb higher now and Rachael Blackmore prefers Amirite, but his bold jumping will stand him in good stead round here and he' not discounted.
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Completed a 3m Chepstow hat-trick on his reappearance last October. However. pulled up 3 times from 4 subsequent starts and it's easy enough to look elsewhere.
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Bumper winner who didn't progress over hurdles but has sprouted wings since switched to fences, completing the hat-trick with a commanding performance on debut for this yard at Southwell (25.8f, good to firm) last month. Good second there since, but this is a tougher assignment.
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Non-Runners
11
Yes Indeed175
Weight: 10-10| Age: 6
T: J & A O'Neill J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.
NR
Forecasts
Twig (4/1), Amirite (5/1), Lord Accord (11/2), Quick Draw (7/1), Undersupervision (8/1), Kinondo Kwetu (10/1), Hidden Heroics (11/1), Whacker Clan (12/1), Swapped (14/1), Yes Indeed (14/1), Brief Times (18/1), The Wolf (25/1), Wayfinder (33/1), Mister Fogpatches (40/1)
AMIRITE failed to justify strong support in the Irish National during the spring, but something was clearly amiss that day and he makes plenty of appeal on his second start in handicap company, in view of the promise he exhibited in novice company. Twig and Kinondo Kwetu, first and third respectively in a valuable contest at Uttoxeter last time, both have claims, while last year's winner Lord Accord, Undersupervision and the selection's stablemate Whacker Clan are others to consider.
- Amirite5/1
- Twig4/1
- Kinondo Kwetu10/1
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £31,218.002nd: £14,352.003rd: £7,176.004th: £3,588.005th: £1,794.006th: £894.00
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