Johnny Burke's Cheltenham Blog At CopyBet Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 6m 33.12s

Hudson De Grugy^v²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 120| D

7/2

Arrives in good nick for his current yard, scoring at Wetherby (3m) in December and recording a good second of 7 in handicap over C&D 20 days ago. Can make his presence felt off the same mark.

Form: 3-69102

Mt Fugi Park^b1⁷²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 118| CD

11/2

Two-time hurdle winner who got off the mark over fences in C&D handicap last spring. Has failed to go on though and came in a well-held sixth of 9 in 3m3f handicap at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. Blinkers are reached for after a break.

Form: P514-P6

Lady In The Park^b³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: D R Fox| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 113| D

4/1

Low-mileage mare who advanced her form in first-time blinkers when scoring at Perth (3m) last April. Returned from 10 months off with a good second of 6 over 2m5f here 33 days ago and rates a big player now stepping back up in trip with the headgear retained.

Form: 52541-2

Latenightrumble^t²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Jack Andrews| T: T Ellis| OR: 112| D

3/1

Scored at Wetherby (3m) in December 2024 but below par this term until a resurgent fourth of 11 in 3m Chepstow handicap 23 days ago. Needs to back it up now.

Form: 2P-5884

Marown^p⁴⁰

Age: 12| Weight: 11-6| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards| OR: 112| D

14/1

Winless since 2021 and pulled up both runs at Aintree and Newcastle this winter. Has plenty to prove at present.

Form: 23/2P-PP

Grandad's Cap^h²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Callum Bewley| T: L Morgan| OR: 105| BF| D

10/1

Looked on the up when easily landing 3m handicap chase at Market Rasen in February but he beat only one under a 7 lb penalty in 2m4f Leicester handicap 24 days ago. Might have found that run coming too quickly and is worth another chance.

Form: U6-4315

Super Citizen^p³³

Age: 12| Weight: 10-9| J: B S Hughes| T: Lucinda Hughes| OR: 101| CD

11/2

C&D winner who comes here on the back of a good third of 14 in handicap chase back over C&D 33 days ago. Might need more of a test ideally but merits consideration off the same mark.

Form: 854143

Forecasts

Latenightrumble (3/1), Hudson De Grugy (7/2), Lady In The Park (4/1), Super Citizen (11/2), Mt Fugi Park (11/2), Grandad's Cap (10/1), Marown (14/1)

Little between the principals at these weights but LADY IN THE PARK could prove the answer given she remains with few miles on the clock and gave the strong impression this return to 3m would suit when a staying-on second over 2m5f here last time. In-form top-weight Hudson de Grugy rates a big threat though, while both Super Citizen and Grandad's Cap can't be ruled out either.