13:15 Ascot

Saturday 18 January 2020

All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:05

Matchbook Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase

  • 5YO plus  |   Class 3  |   2m 7f 180y  |   Heavy (Soft in places)  |   6 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 13:15  |   Winning time: 6m 22.5s
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The word Betfair in black.
The words Paddy Power in green.
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
1
Horse silk
Townshendt271
Age: 9|  Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Jamie Neild(7)| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR:  136
20/1
Won on similarly testing ground in his younger days with Willie Mullins although arguably better on a sounder surface as he showed when winning at Huntingdon (2m4f, good) to end last season. Not certain he stays 3m either.
2
Horse silk
Graceful Legendb31
Age: 9|  Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Charlie Case(7)| T: B I Case| OR:  134| C| D
5/1
Impressive winner of a heavy ground 3m handicap at Bangor before unseating behind National second Magic Of Light when still going well at Newbury. Jumping can be questionable but go well with a clear round.
3
Horse silk
Dawson City41
Age: 11|  Weight: 11-10| J: Miss Chloe Emsley(7)| T: P Gundry| OR:  132| D
6/1
Un-prolific chaser but win last season's Devon National over 3m6f at Exeter. Well held in two starts this term although one was over Cross Country fences and the other over 4m1f. This may not be enough of a stamina test.
4
Horse silk
Get On The Yagerp,t42
Age: 10|  Weight: 11-8| J: Tristan Durrell(7)| T: D Skelton| OR:  130| D
5/1
Not won since 2017 although only raced four times in last two seasons. Pulled-up behind a big improver first-time out at Cheltenham so great deal more needed here. Stays 4m and appreciates heavy ground.
5
Horse silk
Barbrook Starp17
Age: 8|  Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Doggrell(7)| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR:  124
11/2
Winner at Warwick over 3m1½f well held since in third at Sandown and fourth at Exeter. More needed here then and on heavy ground for the first time although may remain progressive.
6
Horse silk
Nearly Perfect14
Age: 6|  Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Andrews(3)| T: N B King| OR:  122
5/4
Second in lone point-to-point to Envoi Allen and after progressing over hurdles he got his first Rules win in his second chase start at Wincanton (3m1f, soft). Out of novice company here but the one runner who could be well handicapped.

Forecasts

Nearly Perfect (5/4), Graceful Legend (5/1), Get On The Yager (5/1), Barbrook Star (11/2), Dawson City (6/1), Townshend (20/1)

Verdict

In a race where his older, more experienced rivals have all got a bit to prove the novice NEARLY PERFECT gets the nod for Neil King. He won well at Wincanton and looked a sound enough jumper from the front. The mare Graceful Legend won well in similar conditions at Bangor before unseating last time out marking her out as the biggest danger to the selection. Barbrook Star could yet have more to give given his relative youth.
  1. Nearly Perfect
  2. Graceful Legend
  3. Barbrook Star

Prize Money

1st: £9,608.002nd: £2,980.003rd: £1,489.004th: £745.005th: £350.006th: £350.007th: £350.008th: £350.00

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