Shloer Chase (Registered As The Cheltenham Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 1m 7f 199y | 4 Runners | Turf

Jonbon^p²⁴⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Cobden| T: N J Henderson| OR: 165| BF| CD

Has remarkably yet to finish out of the top 2 in twenty-eight career starts under Rules, adding a twelfth Grade 1 to his tally at Ascot in February. Made mistakes when second in the Ryanair but sound claims of recording third win in this race (also second 12 months ago).

Form: 2/22112-

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Gidleigh Park²¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Bryan Carver| T: H Fry| OR: 155| C| D

3/1

Stepped up on hurdles form when winning Grade 2 Windsor novice before excellent second in strong renewal of the Manifesto at Aintree next time. Returned with a solid second in Ascot Grade 2 last season but things didn't go as planned on both subsequent outings. Talented but evidently fragile.

Form: P12/2P5-

Mighty Bandit²¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 151| DWS

6/1

Fairly useful hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott who made an excellent start over fences last season, completing a hat-trick of 2m handicap wins at Doncaster in February. Unable to dominate upped in grade at Aintree in the spring and will likely come up short on return (had breathing operation).

Form: P/21114-

Saint Segal^t³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: C Gethings| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 153| D

9/2

Out of his depth in Grade 1s at the Cheltenham/Aintree Festivals in the spring but had an excellent season otherwise, winning twice (including at Chepstow on return) and runner-up 3 times. Back on track returning in a handicap at Ffos Las last month and entitled to strip fitter for that here.

Form: 122PP-4

Forecasts

Jonbon (4/5), Gidleigh Park (3/1), Saint Segal (5/1), Mighty Bandit (8/1)

A typically small field for this year's Shloer Chase and it's hard to get away from JONBON, who bids for a third success in the race and had bottomless ground as an excuse for his below-par second last year. Fragility remains an ongoing problem for Gidleigh Park, but he can provide most resistance if returning on his A-game, with the race-fit Saint Segal taken to fill out third.