13:45 Cheltenham

Friday 11 November 2022

All13:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:00

Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:46 | Winning time: 3m 59.07s

The Glancing Queen²¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 145| CD

10/3

Likeable mare who impressed over fences last term, landing of mares' listed contests and, having ran well in stronger company thereafter, capitalised on drop into calmer waters to land 2m mares' handicap here in April. Very much respected on return.

Form: 5/11271-

Malystic⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: B S Hughes| T: P D Niven| OR: 144| D

13/2

Lightly raced since winning 2 novice chases in late-2020 but proved he retains plenty of ability when runner-up behind Gold Des Bois on return in Kelso handicap (17f) last month, possible he'd of won if asked for his effort sooner. 3 lb better off with that rival here.

Form: 32/U2-42

Amarillo Sky^t²¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 140| D

7/2

6-y-o who made a bright start over fences last term, gaining second victory at Newbury (16.4f, heavy) in February prior to a respectable fifth in the Grand Annual. Well held in Aintree Grade 1 final start but this more suitable from reduced mark.

Form: 12F156-

Captain Tom Cat^b1¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 140| C| D

14/1

Developed into a pretty smart chaser last year, gaining fourth small-field victory in Grade 2 at Wincanton 12 months ago. Fell at this meeting final start and having ran respectably over hurdles on return he found things too tough in last month's Old Roan at Aintree. Blinkers reached for.

Form: 541F-27

Hasankey¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Lewis Dobb⁽⁷⁾| T: L Morgan| OR: 138| D

9/1

Made excellent strides over fences last season, winning 3 on the bounce prior to finishing a very respectable sixth of 16 in the Grand Annual here in March. Cracking second on return at Ayr (16.5f) 13 days ago and he's clearly not handicapped out of things.

Form: U1116-2

Fugitif^t²¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Kielan Woods| T: R Hobson| OR: 131| D

11/2

Hurdles winner who gained second chase success from this mark at Newcastle (16.3f) in January. Exploits proved mixed in trio of starts thereafter but yard have made a bright start to the campaign and he remains pretty low mileage.

Form: 1P1448-

Grey Diamond^t³⁰⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Thomas| OR: 131| BF| D

5/1

Useful chaser who ran well when runner-up on return at Ascot last October. Seen just twice thereafter but looked set to finish no worse than second when all but coming down at the last at Wincanton (15.7f) in January. Interesting on return

Form: 215/347-

Gold Des Bois^t⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 130| D

16/1

Fairly useful hurdles/chase winner in Ireland and put it all together for present yard of late, landing back-to-back Kelso handicaps (at 17f) in recent months. Mark demands a little more back in this more competitive scenario.

Form: U453-11

Non-Runners

Monsieur Lecoq¹³

Weight: 10-13| Age: 8

T: Mrs J Williams J: C Gethings

Forecasts

The Glancing Queen (10/3), Amarillo Sky (7/2), Grey Diamond (5/1), Fugitif (11/2), Malystic (13/2), Hasankey (9/1), Monsieur Lecoq (10/1), Captain Tom Cat (14/1), Gold Des Bois (16/1)

Sound claims can be made for plenty including GREY DIAMOND who looked sure to play a part in the finish at Wincanton back in January before losing all chance over the last. He appeals as being on a competitive mark, and his yard is firmly amongst the winners, so he can play a leading role provided his headstrong tendencies can be kept in check. Amarillo Sky can also figure along with The Glancing Queen, whilst Fugitif at likely longer odds is also worth a second look.