13:10 Cheltenham
Saturday 28 January 2017
All12:0012:3513:1013:4514:1514:5015:2516:0016:35
Hugo's Restaurant Barbados Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
- 5YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 4f 166y | Soft (Good to Soft in places) | 13 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 5m 26.6s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Has shown some smart form in Ireland and showed some of his best form when winning at Cheltenham in a Grade 3 handicap last time. Suited by a test of stamina and needs a fast run race at this trip; a mark of 156 gives him a tough test here.
Winner of this race for the past two years off lower marks each time and not quite in the same form since he won the last of those races. Well below form on his last start and would appreciate plenty of give in the ground.
Capable of some smart form but it's fair to say that things haven't gone to plan of late over fences. Fell in the Hennessy on his most recent start and while this mark looks generous he hasn't as yet been able to take advantage.
Has been capable of some good form over fences in the past including a Festival win over 2m4f in 2014. Only win since then came in a Grade 2 over hurdles and he's been pulled-up in his latest two starts.
Gained a well deserved win at Chepstow in December after two fine efforts at Cheltenham in November and December. That was an easier contest and if he can avoid the small errors that can creep into his game then he should go well here.
A stable mate of Aso and it should be pointed out that the yard have done well in this race in the past. Shown some solid form in his two starts this season and ran well on New Year's Day when fourth behind Shantou Flyer, although he may prefer 3m these days.
Has a rather uneven profile over fences but bounced back from two pulled-up efforts to win at Ascot last time. May well have been flattered to win there (came from way off an overly strong pace) and far from certain to be in the same form this time around off a 6lb higher mark.
An enigmatic character over fences who has flattered to deceive on more than one occasion and often makes jumping errors. Best effort this term came in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November but has failed to follow that up since and returned to hurdles last time out.
Took advantage of a drop in class, and the weights, to win a weak race (for the grade) at Ludlow in December. Appeared to avoid mistakes on that occasion but reverted to type when disappointing at Wincanton last time out and his jumping will get a strong examination here.
Useful chaser and a winner in novice company last season. Found handicap company a little tougher but put up a creditable effort at Chepstow last time out behind Aso.
Won his last two starts over fences showing improved form in a weaker grade than this but does look a progressive sort. This will be tougher but based on his last run, he deserves his chance in this grade.
Winning handicap chaser and may well be suited by going this way around after jumping markedly left when winning at Kempton. Won't be able to get away with a round like that here and this looks far tougher than his latest win.
Has some useful form but has rather underachieved over fences overall. Did shape well at Cheltenham last time in a similar grade behind Shantou Flyer when finishing fifth but probably made a move too quickly into the race and may well do better here, although a slight ease in grade would help.
Forecasts
Aso (5/1), Saphir Du Rheu (6/1), Shantou Flyer (6/1), Walk In The Mill (7/1), Thomas Crapper (9/1), Buywise (11/1), Foxtail Hill (12/1), Annacotty (12/1), Fox Appeal (14/1), Tenor Nivernais (16/1), Regal Encore (16/1), On Tour (20/1), Ballynagour (33/1)
ASO won at Chepstow last time out with On Tour trailing in his wake and he’s run well at Cheltenham before. He can make some mistakes over fences, but deserves to be given a good chance around a course that he handles well. The same could be said of his stablemate Tenor Nivernais who has run eleven times here and although he is yet to score at the course, he has run some sound races. One who won’t want any overnight rain is Thomas Crapper who probably should have won more than once over fences. He’s still well handicapped on the best of his form but softer ground would be a worry. Buywise, Royal Encore and Fox Appeal have all had their jumping issues and there's a fair chance that mistake will be their undoing. That said, Buywise generally manages to overcome his fencing deficiencies to run into a place. It’s hard to know what to make of Walk In The Mill who emerged from the Wincanton fog to run out a wide margin winner last time out. Shantou Flyer carries top weight and will need to improve again on his New Year’s Day win; if he does then he will deserve the Gold Cup and Ryanair entries that he currently has.
1. Aso
2. Walk In The Mill
3. Tenor Nivernais
Prize Money
1st: £34,170.002nd: £12,822.003rd: £6,420.004th: £3,198.005th: £1,608.006th: £804.00
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