14:05 Aintree

Sunday 23 October 2022

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5216:3017:05

Jewson Widnes Vieux Lion Rouge Veterans' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:06 | Winning time: 6m 23.31s

Windsor Avenue^b¹⁹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: B Ellison| OR: 147

18/1

Not the most consistent nowadays but back to his very best in first-time blinkers when winning Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster. Pulled up next 2 starts but no surprise if he bounced back on return (goes well fresh).

Form: 0/2P1PP-

Dingo Dollar^p,t¹⁹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: C O'Farrell| T: A M Thomson| OR: 145

12/1

Didn't seem to take to Grand National fences last time but he's been a revelation for this yard otherwise, best effort last season when third in Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November. Not without a chance.

Form: 12/435U-

Cloth Cap^p¹⁹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-11| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 144| D

9/1

Classy stayer but has seen a promising career derailed by apparent physical problems, reportedly bled when pulled up in Grand National final start. Given chance by handicapper, however, and seems best fresh nowadays.

Form: P/46R3P-

Wishing And Hoping^p¹⁹⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-9| J: Alex Edwards⁽³⁾| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 142| CD

7/1

Sound-jumping front runner who was a good winner of this last season off 7 lb lower. Mixed record since but dangerous if allowed an easy lead once again.

Form: 1P32P6-

Le Patriote^p⁶¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 140

14/1

Smart hurdler on his day who landed pair of small-field novice chases last year. Struggled in Clarence House at Ascot and unseated at Warwick since. Interesting dropped to a veterans event on return.

Form: 01316U/

Forza Milan^t¹¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: Gavin Brouder⁽⁵⁾| T: J Nash| OR: 134

16/1

Signs of decline last season but well held both starts this term. Others preferred.

Form: 6/745-P4

Indy Five¹⁶³

Age: 12| Weight: 11-0| J: Stan Sheppard| T: David Dennis| OR: 133

20/1

Dual winner at Doncaster and Newbury last term and went very close over C&D final start. Looks high enough in the weights now, however.

Form: 1P21P-2

Minellacelebration^t¹⁸⁸

Age: 12| Weight: 11-0| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Katy Price| OR: 133| CD

17/2

Mightn't be the force of fold but his mark has dropped so far that he didn't require a full revival refitted with a tongue strap to win his first race of the season at Fakenham when last seen in April. Won this 2 years ago so worthy of respect.

Form: 547451-

Sir Ivan^p,t²⁵²

Age: 12| Weight: 10-13| J: Lorcan Murtagh⁽³⁾| T: H Fry| OR: 132

9/1

Mostly creditable efforts in defeat last term, faring best of those ridden prominently when third at Sandown. Disappointed final start but type to bounce back.

Form: 1/3443P-

If The Cap Fits^b¹⁹⁷

2/1

Just useful form over hurdles last season and didn't convince over fences in 2020/21. However, given chance by handicapper starting out for new yard on return (sold from Harry Fry £45,000 in May) so not taken lightly.

Form: 294560-

Potters Legend¹⁷³

Age: 12| Weight: 10-5| J: J M Quinlan| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 124

17/2

Further signs of decline last season but mark reflects that. In the mix if revived for new yard.

Form: P5422-5

Forecasts

If The Cap Fits (2/1), Wishing And Hoping (7/1), Potters Legend (17/2), Minellacelebration (17/2), Sir Ivan (9/1), Cloth Cap (9/1), Dingo Dollar (12/1), Le Patriote (14/1), Forza Milan (16/1), Windsor Avenue (18/1), Indy Five (20/1)

IF THE CAP FITS didn't fully convince as a chaser as a novice in 2020/11 yet he still showed smart form, so could be worth chancing for a new yard off what looks a tempting mark. Potters Legend is another who's lurking on a good mark if revived by another stable, while last year's winner Wishing And Hoping should make another bold bid from the front.