14:30 Cheltenham

Friday 13 December 2019

All12:1012:4513:2013:5514:3015:0515:40

BetVictor Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 6m 56.62s

West Approach¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 150| BF| C

7/2

Smart hurdler/chaser but not an easy one to win with requiring the kid gloves treatment from today's rider to take 3m3f handicap chase here last month off 8lb lower. Unseated early last time in the Ladbrokes Trophy; will need careful handling again.

Form: 966-21U

Rock The Kasbah^p³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: James Best| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 148| C

10/1

Useful chaser (sixth in this last year) who looked back in good form when shaping as though the race would do him good at Wincanton last time. Came on for his reappearance run last year; just 1lb above his last winning mark, interesting sort.

Form: 616FP-7

Cobra De Mai^p,t³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 148| CD

33/1

Yet to match the form that he showed in the 2018-19 campaign when he won three times in two recent runs. Looks to be working his way back to that sort of form (may need the run again); still 6lb above his last winning mark, watching brief advised.

Form: 1514-P9

Dandy Dan^p,t⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 145| BF| D

8/1

Smart novice last season winning three chases (including a handicap) in a row (failed to convince with his jumping last two occasions). Unable to match the market support on his return at Kelso off this mark; handicapper looks in control for now.

Form: 31112-2

Singlefarmpayment²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 140| C

7/1

Frustrating sort whose career in handicap chases was summed up by his narrow defeat in this race last year off 6lb higher (outbattled by Cogry). Eighth in the Grand National and fourth on his recent return he remains an enigma wrapped up in a riddle.

Form: 2/4208-4

Impulsive Star^p²⁴⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr Sam Waley-Cohen⁽³⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 139

14/1

Out-and-out stayer who may find this trip on the short side having shown his best form over longer trips. Took the Warwick Classic Chase in January before being pulled up in two top-class staying events; may need this, best watched on balance.

Form: 34/21PP-

Cogry^p⁴⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 139| CD

5/1

Winner of this last year off the same mark he's often been seen at his best around these environs with some gutsy efforts. Already shown he's returned in good form with a third here in October (split two of today's rivals); bold bid expected again.

Form: 2610U-3

Beau Du Brizais³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 138| D

20/1

Won two handicaps at Ludlow this time last year before taking advantage of a race that fell his way and apart at Kempton in May. Acquitted himself well enough this season, arguable if he's up to this grade, others look better treated.

Form: 0-14225

Pickamix^t,v³⁸⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: G Sheehan| T: C J Mann| OR: 131| D

40/1

Returns from a long break having run no sort of race at all when last seen at Catterick with his temperament coming under suspicion. Still 4lb above his last winning mark and with most of these having race fitness on their side he's one to watch.

Form: 42124P-

What A Moment^b1²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-6| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 130| C

25/1

Twice successful around here in the same amateur riders race he's shown very little since returning from a long absence at Exeter in October. Fared no better when last seen at Ascot (pulled up), blinkers are now reached for to provide some zip.

Form: 5PP1/9P

Onefortheroadtom^b1⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-1| J: Aidan Coleman| T: H Fry| OR: 125

3/1

Lightly-raced bur winning hurdler who has yet to win over fences but has produced some useful form. Performed as well as ever when fourth here last time (two of today's rivals second and third); now off a proper mark, blinkered first-time.

Form: 662F-24

Non-Runners

Treackle Tart⁵⁶

Weight: 11-2| Age: 7

T: C E Longsdon J: R T Dunne

Forecasts

Onefortheroadtom (3/1), West Approach (7/2), Cogry (5/1), Singlefarmpayment (7/1), Dandy Dan (8/1), Rock The Kasbah (10/1), Impulsive Star (14/1), Treackle Tart (14/1), Beau Du Brizais (20/1), What A Moment (25/1), Cobra De Mai (33/1), Pickamix (40/1)

A race full of interest and we get a rematch of last year with Cogry once again taking on Singlefarmpayment with the latter much better off a the weights this time although with his attitude pounds probably make little difference and it will come down to what mood he’s in. His old rival – Cogry – can be relied on to run his usual sound and game race but it may well be the sixth from last year ROCK THE KASBAH who can turn the tables this time around having been given a nice preparation for this in the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton, he’s sure to come on from that run. The claims of West Approach can’t be taken lightly but he’s another who has to defy his quirks to land this prize.