Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 51.72s

Funambule Sivola¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 155| CD

7/1

Progressed well in open company last season, winning this race prior to a career best when second to Energumene in the Champion Chase. Things haven't gone to plan since but this is an easier assignment, at least.

Form: 12P-645

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Greaneteen⁷⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 170| D

1/2

Third in this race back in 2021 but has since developed into a top-class chaser, winning a trio of Grade 1 contests. Haldon Gold Cup scorer on reappearance and didn't lose a great deal in defeat when second trying to retain the Tingle Creek. Should be very hard to beat.

Form: 1251-12

Elixir De Nutz^p,t³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 145| D

7/1

Found handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree festivals last spring beyond him but bold jumping very much in evidence when an easy winner from the front fitted with cheekpieces at Wincanton a month ago (20.2f). Drop back in trip won't be an issue but this level poses a different question.

Form: 1PP-921

Malystic¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Danny McMenamin| T: P D Niven| OR: 149| D

5/1

At the very top of his game this winter, recording brace of handicap wins over 2m at Wetherby and Doncaster. Very likeable type and worth a shot at this level but clearly has a lot on his plate if Greaneteen gives his running.

Form: 2-42P11

Non-Runners

Mortlach⁴⁰

Weight: 11-2| Age: 8

T: F O'Brien J: C Brace

Forecasts

Greaneteen (1/2), Malystic (5/1), Funambule Sivola (7/1), Elixir De Nutz (7/1), Mortlach (50/1)

The race revolves around GREANETEEN, who is established as at least a notch above these and he didn't do a great deal wrong despite failing to retain his Tingle Creek crown when last seen. The battle for second may be more interesting and with doubts over last year's winner Funambule Sivola at present, handicap graduate Malystic could be the answer to that puzzle.