13:15 Cheltenham

Saturday 25 January 2020

All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:10

Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:16 | Winning time: 5m 35.2s

Jarveys Plate^p³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: C Brace⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 147| C

12/1

Looked a useful chasing recruit when beating the highly-touted Reserve Tank at Chepstow back in October, but nowhere near that form in two other starts this season and needs to get his year on track quickly; others looking better treated.

Form: 139-144

Champagne Court^t1⁶⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J Scott| OR: 143

11/2

Going the right way over fences with two good jumping displays at Sandown and Plumpton on his last two starts, the form of which look solid; ground likely to be a bit quicker here but sound jumping will put him in good stead again; looks a threat.

Form: 343-211

Simply The Betts³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 140

11/2

Ready winner of his first two starts over fences before stepping up in trip at Kempton last time, readily put in his place by Commanche Red but sticking on well enough for second; needs another step forward here, but that's not impossible.

Form: 184-112

Imperial Aura⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 136| D

5/1

Useful hurdler that has made a solid start over fences, left alone to win at Fakenham but his second to Pym over further here last time reads well; handles most ground and drop back in trip not an issue, so must go close off same mark today.

Form: 1/11-312

Encore Champs³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: W Greatrex| OR: 135| D

25/1

Ran well enough on first two chase starts but improved a bundle to score easily at Fakenham last time, a win that' earned him a 10lb hike in the weights; this race a different kettle of fish, and he'll need to tidy his jumping up a bit as well.

Form: 178-261

Garo De Juilley^t²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: C Gethings| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 134

40/1

There's the odd effort around here which would give him some hope off this mark, and the drop into handicap company will help, but he tends to make at least one serious mistake in a race, something he needs to cut out to hold best chance today.

Form: 292P44

Mercy Mercy Me^p,t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 133

11/1

Looked a picture of health at Sandown and duly proved too good for them, coming home strongly to take the prize and might now be getting his act together; work to do to turn earlier form with Champagne Court around, but that's possible.

Form: 352-231

Gowiththeflow^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: N de Boinville| T: B Pauling| OR: 133| D

12/1

Lengthy chasing sort that went down fighting against course specialist Erick Le Rouge at Kempton last time, and this track may well suit him even better; yard still firing in fits and starts, but he is improving and drying ground would be a plus.

Form: 23P-1P2

Cloudy Glen²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 132

15/2

Got off the mark with a win in a match at Haydock last time, making all and jumping well; on same mark today, trip and likely ground fine, but of more concern is the form of the yard, which has gone a bit quiet after a fantastic winter to date.

Form: 71-42F1

On The Slopes³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Adam Wedge| T: C Gordon| OR: 129

15/2

Has shown more than enough in four chase starts to think he can win a handicap or two off this mark, but has looked in need of a step up in trip on more than one occasion. On that score, a good pace here would help his cause, and he's not ruled out.

Form: 03-4233

Sully D'Oc Aa³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: R P McLernon| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 127

10/1

Form of his second at Newbury two starts ago has taken a knock, and he was well beaten at Ascot last time out, seemingly with no explanation; now takes a step up in trip, big positive is the form of the yard but makes limited appeal all the same.

Form: 11/P-625

Court Master^t³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: M Scudamore| OR: 120

11/1

Made it two wins in two chase starts when successful at Newbury on latest start (3m), although possibly a shade fortunate; this is tougher and a 5lb rise demands more, but she's going the right way and will be staying on when others have had enough.

Form: 430P-11

Forecasts

Imperial Aura (5/1), Simply The Betts (11/2), Champagne Court (11/2), On The Slopes (15/2), Cloudy Glen (15/2), Sully D'Oc Aa (10/1), Court Master (11/1), Mercy Mercy Me (11/1), Jarveys Plate (12/1), Gowiththeflow (12/1), Encore Champs (25/1), Garo De Juilley (40/1)

Imperial Aura looks on a very good mark and there must be more to come from him, and he should get this run to suit, but this is competitive and plenty can be given chances. MERCY MERCY ME was impressive at Sandown and now he's finally got off the mark, may be able to follow up, despite having more to do here. Gowiththeflow will appreciate it drying out and has potential for much better, and On The Slopes keeps on running well in similar events to this, and ought to be on the premises at the business end. Garo De Juilley might be of interest to each-way players at a price.