15:05 Warwick

Friday 9 November 2018

All12:5013:2514:0014:3015:0515:3516:05

Smarkets Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 6m 36.90s

Travertine^p²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 117

7/1

On a losing losing run but has snippets of form that entitle the gelding to go close. Stiff test ahead on the terms of the race though.

Form: 633534

Amiral Collonges^p²⁷⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-1| J: L P Aspell| T: H J Evans| OR: 116

33/1

Stays well and posted a couple of solid efforts before unseating his rider at the first obstacle last time out. That can be forgiven but he is prone to running the odd stinker and would never be one for maximum faith from a betting perspective.

Form: 1PP22U-

Morney Wing^p,t¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Joshua Moore| T: C J Mann| OR: 113

6/1

Likes a good test of stamina and won well over 3m2f at Fontwell last month. Has coped with the track at Warwick adequately in the past but a 12lb higher mark leaves the gelding with a tough test ahead this time.

Form: 2P136-1

Ganbei⁴³

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Bannister| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 113| D

10/1

Won more than his fair share of point-to-points as well as five races under rules. Has dropped to handy mark but the old boy looks a shade of better days now he's in the twilight of his career.

Form: 5-97354

Indian Native^t²²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Kielan Woods| T: A M Hales| OR: 111

6/1

Has coped with racing over three-miles before now but is yet to win over the trip under rules and takes a big step up in distance after finishing very tired last time out. Others preferred.

Form: 3/443P2-

Irish Octave^p⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Mrs R Gasson| OR: 109| C

8/1

Fourth at Bangor last time out (just behind Ganbei) needs to be improved upon but feasible to suggest he might have been in need of the run. One to bear in mind if supported. Still 6lb above his last winning mark.

Form: 46-2114

Running Wolf¹³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A M Hales| OR: 108

10/1

An infrequent winner but was in good heart during the summer and is entitled to go close if he can pick up where he left off in July. Worth bearing in mind if strongly supported.

Form: 421U-23

Kilmurvy^p,t¹⁰²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J Scott| OR: 102

7/2

Won over 3m2f at Newton Abbot when last seen out and is a consistent chaser at this sort of level. Ratings-wise, the gelding is on a very handy mark and would be dangerous to ignore. Solid place claims at least.

Form: 44P3-41

Gardiners Hill^t²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: S Bowen| T: D A Rees| OR: 100| D

9/2

Much better over fences than hurdles but returned with an enthusiastic effort at Ffos Las in October. Needs to use that as a platform but is well treated and has gone well here in the past. Any rain will be a big help.

Form: 0BP3P-2

Non-Runners

Maybe Plenty¹⁸⁹

Weight: 10-12| Age: 9

T: G R I Smyly J: Thomas Bellamy

Forecasts

Kilmurvy (7/2), Gardiners Hill (9/2), Morney Wing (6/1), Indian Native (6/1), Travertine (7/1), Irish Octave (8/1), Ganbei (10/1), Running Wolf (10/1), Maybe Plenty (25/1), Amiral Collonges (33/1)

A chance is taken that KILMURVY can exploit his current lenient mark and stride out to the best of his reaming ability. The selection is capable at this level but comes with a caveat about his tendency to be inconsistent. Similar comments also apply to Running Wolf and Irish Octave, who don't have much to find to emerge as the best of the modest bunch who form the opposition. Support for Morney Wing making the frame could also be interesting.