The two big races today take place at Ascot and Haydock. The Victor Chandler Chase (Ascot) is a grade one event and will give clues to the Champion Chase at Cheltenham and maybe the Ryanair Chase. The Peter Marsh Chase is a grade two handicap and may be a pointer to one of the staying chases at the festival. Both races are quite competitive but I think I may have the winners of both.
Twist Magic’s performance in the Tingle Creek was one of the season’s best. Making all and absolutely destroying a quality field with three previous Grade One winners behind. That day he had an uncontested lead in a five runner field. Today he will most definitely be taken on up front by Fix the Rib. Another concern is that Twist Magic has never put in good back to back efforts. So can he do it today? That is the big question. If he does I think he wins this race from Petit Robin. Petit Robin has been one of the top two milers in England for the last two years but has always just fallen short behind Mater Minded. He won nicely the last day from Well Chief but lets face it, Well Chief is not the force of old. On the other hand, it was Petit Robins first run in 268 days so, he is entitled to improve. The only other horse worth mentioning is Fix the Rib, simply because he is a bold front runner with course and distance form. If allowed to dominate he could take some catching but I don’t think he has the same class as the above two mentioned.
My selection is going to be Twist Magic in the hope that he has turned a corner in his career. His performance in the Tingle Creek was his best ever and his flexible running style will allow him to lay up close to Fix the Rib and kick on in the home straight, hopefully repelling the challenge of Petit Robin.
The Peter Marsh Chase takes place at Haydock Park with 12 runners going to post. I think there is one stand out horse in the race, Prince de Beauchene. Howard Johnson’s charge mad a very pleasing reappearance at Carlisle 53 days ago finishing second to a reliable yard stick in Huka Lodge (giving him plenty of weight). He is very lightly raced with only three starts over jumps to his name.
He won his novice hurdle very nicely at Ayr this time last year but with his size and scope he was always going to make a better chaser. He runs off a mark of 135. With more career starts I think he could have run off a mark in the 150s. So I feel he is very well in here and also has a super young jockey in Ryan Mania taking 3 pounds off his back. Furthermore, Howard Johnson’s stable are in super form. At 11-2, the son of French Glory is way over priced.
Horse Racing Betting – Cheltenham Betting
