13:15 Cheltenham
Saturday 16 December 2023
All12:0512:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35
Quintessentially Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 2  |  2m 62y  |  Soft  |  7 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 13:16Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 4.45s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Runner-up in Champion Chase in 2022 but not at the same level last season, his standout effort when landing the Game Spirit at Newbury in February. Still looked to be working his way back to form when sixth at Ascot 3 weeks ago, though his mark is easing as a result.
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Won twice over fences last season and was in the process of showing improved form when falling at the last in the Maghull at Aintree in April. After 7 months off, shaped well when runner-up here last month and he can go one better with his reappearance run behind him.
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Made a bright start to his chasing career last season before a valiant front-running display to land the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Mixed form since, running below-par back over fences at Ascot 3 weeks ago, but he could still have more to offer as a chaser.
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Won a trio of handicap chases in 2022/23, the latest in 3-runner event at Carlisle in March. However, bled when pulled up on his final outing last season and also failed to complete over hurdles on his return. Tongue strap on first time but others still preferred.
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In-and-out form last season but gained a third win over fences when making all in handicap at Wetherby in February. Below form on his first 2 starts of the current campaign, but left those efforts behind when fourth here last month. Task is now to back up his latest run.
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Winner over hurdles in France and made a successful stable/chase debut at Hereford a year ago. Didn't go on as hoped last season but he ran well when third here in October on his return, keeping on from a long way back. Remains capable of better.
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Dual winner over fences in France and shaped encouragingly here on his stable debut in October, looking as if he would make the frame when unseating 3 out. Ran respectably when sixth back at this venue last time, albeit finding less than looked likely. More needed.
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Forecasts
In Excelsis Deo (5/2), Calico (11/4), Aucunrisque (7/2), Funambule Sivola (15/2), Prince Escalus (17/2), Madara (9/1), Baron De Midleton (80/1)
CALICO made a promising return from 7 months off when runner-up here a month ago, worn down only late on, and he can build on that effort to get back to winning ways. The biggest threat could come from In Excelsis Deo, who also shaped encouragingly at this venue on his reappearance, with Aucunrisque not discounted on only his fifth chase start.
- Calico11/4
- Aucunrisque7/2
Prize Money
1st: £20,812.002nd: £9,568.003rd: £4,784.004th: £2,392.005th: £1,196.006th: £596.00
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