Cheltenham Preview Evening March 1st Handicap Chase 2m
- (5yo+, 2m, Class 4, 5 runners)
- Winner £5,198 2nd £1,526 3rd £763 4th £382
- Going: Good to Soft
- Surface: Turf
Print| Pos | Horse | Distance/th> | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 The Fox's Decree | 15/8f | |
| 2nd | 1 Vosges | 6 | 11/4 |
Racecard
| # | Form | Horse | A | Wgt | Trainer | Jockey | OR | Naps | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 63-6455 |
|
6 | 166 11-12 p | J Ewart | Dale Irving (10) | 105 | 11/4 | |
| 2 | 653111 |
|
7 | 158 11-4 | J Wade | K Renwick | 90 | 85/40 | |
| 3 | 4-08663 |
|
7 | 156 11-2 | W Coltherd | Ryan Mania | 95 | 8/1 | |
| 4 | 35F332 |
|
9 | 152 10-12 pt | M Keighley | Ian Popham (3) | 91 | 15/8f | |
| 5 | P4/P26P |
|
12 | 140 10-0 | N Kent | P N O'Brien (7) | 78 | 25/1 |
Race History
| Year | Draw | Horse | A | Wgt | Trainer | Jockey | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 |
Zazamix (FR)
|
7 | 11-0 | A Crook | Adam Nicol | 7/1 |
In depth
Verdict
NO WAY HOZAY went up a massive 16lb after completing a double on this track but it didn't prevent a hat-trick as he prevailed in a bunch finish at Sedgefield last week. It's no surprise that John Wade runs him under a penalty and victory number four looks on the cards. The Fox's Decree is mainly consistent and reverts to chasing after three recent runs over hurdles. He's probably been racing on ground too soft as his only chasing success came on fast going and he's well enough handicapped to give the selection a race. Surprise Vendor has only had three runs over fences and showed some improvement at Ayr last time but Vosges is still probably high enough in the ratings despite a huge drop in the past year. The Black Lion needs faster ground than he'll get here.
Formwatch
The Fox's Decree 7-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, pushed along after 8th, headway approaching 3 out, every chance flat, ran on, just held, 2nd of 9, hd behind Qualviro (11-7) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Vosges (FR) 15-2 (10-6) Tracked leader, ridden before 4 out, weakened before 3 out, 5th of 7, 21l behind Memorabilia (10-13) at Doncaster 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft.
The Black Lion (IRE) 40-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, tailed off from 4 out, pulled up before last, in a race won by Be My Deputy (11-7) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd, 15 ran.
No Way Hozay 2-1fav (11-4) Held up in rear, headway approaching 2 out, chased leaders approaching last, challenged last, strong run to lead post, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs beating Overlaw (11-4) by ns, 8 ran.
Suprise Vendor (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, went 3rd before 4 out chased winner 4 out, one pace and mistake last, 3rd of 6, 12l behind Sacre Toi (11-10) at Ayr 2m hcp ch 0-110 (4) hvy.