13:25 Aintree

Sunday 29 October 2023

All12:5013:2514:0014:3515:1015:4516:20

Jewson Vieux Lion Rouge Veterans' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:27 | Winning time: 6m 43.88s

Wishing And Hoping²¹⁰

Age: 13| Weight: 12-0| J: Alex Edwards| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 143| CD

10/1

Defied big odds in 18-runner Series Final at Sandown back in January and having struggled at listed level next time, shaped better than the bare result at Ascot when last seen 7 months ago. Won this in 2021 and runner-up last year, so tough to rule out despite his age.

Form: 6/28144-

Boldmere²⁰²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Bannister| T: A M Hales| OR: 137

14/1

Understandably looked rusty when returning from 20 months on debut for new yard at Doncaster last December but duly bounced back when landing a 3m veterans' event back there in February and added another victory to his tally at Fakenham in April. Lots to like on seasonal return.

Form: 55/7121-

Landofsmiles^p¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: James Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 136| D

14/1

Has built up a good strike rate over fences, making it 3 wins from 5 starts for the current campaign at Cartmel (25.5f) in August. Run of good form halted in leg 7 of this series at Chepstow earlier this month however, so percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Form: 1F511P

Top Ville Ben^h¹⁹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-6| J: Sean Quinlan| T: P A Kirby| OR: 135

15/2

Not the force of old but his mark now reflects that and was a good 3 lengths third of 23 to The Goffer in handicap chase (28/1) at Leopardstown on penultimate outing. Little impact on both outings since (latest in the Topham) but he's been given a chance by the assessor.

Form: P/353P0-

Nestor Park^p¹⁷⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 135

4/1

Just the one win to his name in this sphere but he has made the frame 11 times from 12 completed starts over fences, latest when third at Uttoxeter (24f, heavy) 6 months ago. Solid claims if fully tuned up.

Form: 13/3P2-3

Celebre D'Allen^p¹⁹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Elizabeth Gale⁽¹⁰⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 130

3/1

Returned from a long absence with a bang in 2021/22 season, winning 3 handicaps (2 hurdle, 1 chase) and fine fifth in Plate. Just respectable efforts at best last term, finding the Topham too competitive when last seen 6 months ago. Handicapper relinquishes his grip.

Form: 5/43408-

Daly Tiger¹⁹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: K Brogan| T: L Morgan| OR: 128

40/1

Very smart chaser at best for Noel Meade and won a minor event over hurdles at Limerick in 2021/22 season. However, has lost his way since then, making no impact on all 5 starts for current connections.

Form: 06380P-

Chirico Vallis^p,t¹⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 10-12| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 127

18/1

Lightly raced over fences for his age and shaped well when third in similar company at Newbury (23.4f, soft) back in March. Reportedly finished lame when well beaten at Cartmel (29.4f) in May and got no further than the third on his recent return at Chepstow. Others appeal more.

Form: P/303-6F

Jimmy The Digger¹⁹³

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Alice Stevens⁽⁷⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 127| D

9/2

Made a winning return when staying on strongly to land amateurs' handicap at Cheltenham (25f) 12 months ago. Good efforts when in the frame next 2 starts and was let down by his jumping when pulled up at same course in April (bled from the nose). Fancied to get back on track.

Form: 2/1427P-

Cap Du Nord¹⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Ellis Collier⁽⁷⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 127

18/1

Back to winning ways in valuable event at Ascot in February and best effort thereafter when third at Uttoxeter (3m) in May. Probably needed the run after 3 months off in leg 7 of this series at Chepstow just over 2 weeks ago and looks potentially well handicapped again.

Form: 190-307

Duc De Beauchene^p,t¹⁵³

Age: 10| Weight: 10-11| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 126| BF| D

12/1

In the form of his life back in the spring, winning staying handicaps at Wincanton and Fakenham (good second in stronger Kempton contest in between). Possibly found Cartmel a race too many and returns with cheekpieces reapplied after 5 months off.

Form: 321-214

Forecasts

Celebre D'Allen (3/1), Nestor Park (4/1), Jimmy The Digger (9/2), Top Ville Ben (15/2), Wishing And Hoping (10/1), Duc De Beauchene (12/1), Landofsmiles (14/1), Boldmere (14/1), Chirico Vallis (18/1), Cap Du Nord (18/1), Daly Tiger (40/1)

JIMMY THE DIGGER made a winning reappearance at Cheltenham last season and Henry Daly's 10-y-o gets the verdict to repeat that feat and make his first start in veterans' company a successful one. The main danger may emerge from Nestor Park, who has just the sole victory to his name in this sphere but has made the frame 11 times from 12 completed starts, while Cap du Nord and Boldmere are another couple to consider in what looks an ultra-competitive contest on paper.