15:50 Cheltenham

Saturday 24 October 2020

All14:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:0017:35

Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 6m 33.13s

Frodon^t²²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 164| CD

9/2

Admirable sort who has a fantastic record here, notably winning Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, Cotswold Chase and Ryanair Chase in 2018/19. Not at very best last season but still won a Grade 2 at Kempton.

Form: 11/3314-

West Approach^p²²⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-9| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 147| C

15/2

Not the most resolute but smart performer when in the mood and his 3 best efforts last season were over the larger obstacles here, including when second in this on return. Big run can be expected.

Form: 1U3P4P-

Bob Mahler^p²²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: Adrian Heskin| T: W Greatrex| OR: 142| CD

16/1

Ended last season on the upgrade, resuming winning ways in Edinburgh National at Musselburgh before excellent third in Kim Muir at the Festival final start. Needed return for last 3 seasons, though.

Form: PP3213-

Captain Chaos²³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 10-4| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 142| D

33/1

Snapped a long losing run with a facile success at Doncaster (26f, heavy) when last seen in February. However, he's not the most reliable of performers and 8 lb rise leaves him looking vulnerable.

Form: 6P2P21-

Cogry^v²²⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 142| CD

8/1

Gutsy veteran who has an admirable record here, winning Grade 3 handicap for the second year running in December. Won this in 2017 and placed in the next 2 renewals. Visor replaces cheekpieces.

Form: 0U/312P-

Cobra De Mai^p,t²²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 140| C

11/2

Mixed record last season but ended it with a respectable sixth of 23 in C&D handicap at the Festival. Shaped as if needing the run on comeback at Fontwell 3 weeks ago. Headgear back on.

Form: 9P566-7

Sensulano²²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: P J Brennan| T: Noel Williams| OR: 138| C

13/2

In fine form over fences last season and landed 20f listed mares' novice at Warwick. Nearly brought down at Kempton on final start and could have more to offer, especially at this longer trip.

Form: 4/21129-

Manofthemountain²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 137

4/1

Winner of all 4 completed starts over fences, including on return at Bangor last month. Manner of that success suggests he will go on improving for a while yet so big player despite rise in class.

Form: 2/11U1-1

Cloth Cap²²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 136| D

13/2

Useful chaser who finished third in Scottish Grand National as a novice. Some good efforts in defeat last season but history suggests he'll come on for this reappearance. 2 lb out of weights.

Form: 13/4328-

Vivas^b,t³²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: Tom Buckley⁽⁷⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 130

33/1

Struggled in Ultima at the Festival here on final start last season but back to form when second at Warwick on return, proving stamina for this trip. Up against it from out of handicap here, though.

Form: 55950-2

Non-Runners

Perfect Candidate²⁴⁶

Weight: 10-0| Age: 13

T: F O'Brien J: C Brace

Forecasts

Manofthemountain (4/1), Frodon (9/2), Cobra De Mai (11/2), Cloth Cap (13/2), Sensulano (13/2), West Approach (15/2), Cogry (8/1), Perfect Candidate (12/1), Bob Mahler (16/1), Captain Chaos (33/1), Vivas (33/1)

This is the strongest race that MANOFTHEMOUNTAIN has contested but it has been hard not to be impressed by the manner of his victories in this sphere, and he should have even more to offer. West Approach did well over fences here last season, so another big run looks on the cards, while Cogry has finished first, second and third in the last 3 renewals and seems sure to give his running again.