George Pragnell Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:06 | Winning time: 5m 38.3s

Always On The Run^h⁶⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: C Gethings⁽³⁾| T: T R George| OR: 134| BF

2/1

Holding his form well just now and has gone well here in the past so very capable of getting involved in the thick of the action. This sort of trip would be as far as he wants to go however, which makes for a stern test under top weight.

Form: 252-332

Mercers Court¹²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: T E Whelan| T: N B King| OR: 132

16/1

Shot up the ratings after a highly successful period in 2016. But was below par on his return latest. A bit to prove from his current mark but likely to be fitter and ought to appreciate the step up in trip.

Form: 11F32-4

Mont Royale²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 131

12/1

Acts with give underfoot and has shown a very likable attitude this season. Will be a tough nut to and a leading contender in what is likely to be a tactical event. Expect him to be played late but has a bit to find with Play The Ace and Vikekhal.

Form: U-61566

Vikekhal^t²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Benjamin Poste⁽³⁾| T: S Flook| OR: 127

14/1

Obviously adapted well to the new surroundings at his new yard as he is holding his form well. Placed last time he raced over C&D and could easily be good enough to find the extra required this time. Personal best required though.

Form: 8P-3313

Surf And Turf^t1²⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: Jamie Bargary⁽³⁾| T: R Hobson| OR: 122

7/1

Hit hard after winning at Worcester in June and is another that has form to reverse with Plat The Ace and Vikekhal. Fitting of a tongue is an imponderable but may be the move required. Interesting if supported in the betting.

Form: 5U7-144

Shady Glen^b,t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: P J Brennan| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 117| CD

6/1

Versatile regarding trip, track and ground, so plenty going for him in this company. Still potentially well handicapped and would notable that he also has an option of going on to Fontwell on Sunday. Worth a check in the betting.

Form: 423122

Play The Ace^p,t²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 114| BF| CD

9/4

Won over C&D in June but came up short a couple of times subsequently. However, he is still on a relative featherweight in comparison to a couple of the rest and can be expected to be hard to master at his favorite course.

Form: 5P-P123

Forecasts

Always On The Run (2/1), Play The Ace (9/4), Shady Glen (6/1), Surf And Turf (7/1), Mont Royale (12/1), Vikekhal (14/1), Mercers Court (16/1)

Stratford brings a little extra out of PLAY THE ACE and he is fancied to confirm recent form with both Vikekhal and Mount Royale, who spearhead the challenges from the rest. Top weight may anchor Always On The Run but he is another that act well on the track and can go close if his stamina holds out.