Cotswold Chase preview

Filed on 21 Jan 2009 @ 14:20

Part of the National Hunt Guide to the 2008/09 Season service from Graham Richards. Order your copy online today for the full service.

2:35 Cheltenham, Saturday 24 January 2009. LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER CHASE 3m 1f 110y

(REGISTERED AS THE COTSWOLD CHASE) GRADE 2 (CLASS 1)

Horse	FSF rating	Comment

Halcon Genelardais	167	Halcon Genelardais comes out top thanks to the weight allowance. He is running consistently as ever and will be a danger to all if able to keep in touch with the leaders. Cheltenham record 3, PU, 4, 2, 3. Third in this race in 2007, he looked to find the fast pace too much to handle. Best FSF rating achieved at Chepstow.
Exotic Dancer	162	Exotic Dancer bounced back to form last time and I personally thought he would have won if Neptune Collonges has stood up. He won this race in 2007 before finishing second to Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Good record at Cheltenham with four wins, two seconds, and a third place from nine runs. Huge danger to all, if at his best.
Star De Mohaison	161	Star De Mohaison returned from injury this season. Following a “sighter” over hurdles, he ran a blinder under top-weight when second to Mon Mome with the remainder well beaten off. Winner of the 2006 SunAlliance Chase he looks sure to run well off bottom weight.
Tidal Bay	159	Tidal Bay has rather let himself down this season with jumping errors. Despite this, he did well to finish second to Master Minded in the Tingle Creek over an inadequate distance. He went on to finish second to Nozic at Wetherby and looks to have a serious chance of reversing the placings if he can avoid jumping errors. Three wins and two seconds from five runs confirm his love of Prestbury Park; I hope to see him establish himself as a worthy Gold Cup candidate.
Imperial Commander	154	Imperial Commander has looked as though two and three-quarter miles it the limit of his stamina. Four wins and four unplaced runs at Cheltenham; two of the losses coming over three miles or further.
Alberta’s Run	154	Alberta’s Run won the 2008 SunAlliance Chase. He returned to his best at Kempton Park when runner-up to Kato Star in the King George. Unbeaten in two runs over fences at Cheltenham, connections feel he is best on good ground. Six runs on soft or heavy have yielded four wins, which rather contradicts those thoughts.
Snoopy Loopy	152	Snoopy Loopy has had an excellent season but looked in need of a break at Kempton Park. A four-week absence will help, but soft ground may be an issue; 0-1 at Cheltenham. His best FSF ratings have come on flat tracks.
Nozic	152	Nozic galloped his way to victory at Wetherby over Christmas. He was full value for his win; jumping well and racing with enthusiasm. 18lb worse off with Tidal Bay, he will nevertheless enjoy trip and ground. Finished a good second to Too Forward on his only run at this course.
Barbers Shop	151	Barbers Shop looks an improving horse. At seven-years, he has only run fourteen times and finished an excellent second in the Jewson Handicap at last years Festival. He returned here to fill the same spot in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last November. Saw three miles one furlong out at Sandown Park and looked full of run at the finish. Has to be respected, not only in this field, but also as one of the more interesting long-priced horses in the Gold Cup field.
Roll Along	151	Roll Along is at his best when fresh. Carl Llewellyn has had a season to forget, but this fellow posted an excellent win over Air Force One at Ascot. A win and a second from two runs at Cheltenham, he almost certainly found the small field against him when third to Barbers Shop at Sandown Park. Has it to do at the weights may find himself in the frame.
Monkerhostin	151	Monkerhostin is a wonderful old campaigner. Two wins, two seconds, four thirds, from fourteen runs at Cheltenham display his liking of the course. If he can be kept in touch, his famous late run may carry him into the fun at the business end.
Miko De Beauchene	149	Miko De Beauchene is finding the obstacles a problem at present. Even with a clear round he looks to have a stiff task at the weights.
Joe Lively	148	Joe Lively has three wins, a second and third to his name from six outings at Prestbury Park. Won well in November and far from disgraced in the Welsh National. Sure to run well, if the ground is not too testing, without being good enough.
Knowhere	147	Knowhere won this race in 2008 but will carry 6lb more this time. He has a fair record at Cheltenham with two wins and two places from ten runs. Goes well fresh, but may have benefitted, thanks to some below par runs from shorter priced rivals, last season.
An Accordion	145	An Accordion will be making his seasonal debut. One win and two places from four runs is his course record. Has the potential to improve and goes well fresh. Not to be entirely dismissed.
Ollie Magern	142	Ollie Magern has been a great servant to his connections and has an excellent record when fresh. Two wins from eight runs at Prestbury Park; unfortunately, he does not look the force of old.

In summary, I hope to see Tidal Bay go close; Exotic Dancer will be a serious threat, if arriving with his top game. Barbers Shop is respected with Halcon Genelardais and Nozic playing a part if stamina decides the outcome. An Accordion is one to watch for the future.

Filed on 21 Jan 2009 @ 14:20

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