Champion Chase 2014 Preview: Runner by runner analysis and ratings

FSF^

FORM

SIRE DE GRUGY

168

172

Sire De Grugy has carried all before him this season, winning four times. The one reversal came at the hooves of Kid Cassidy here in November, when conceding 10lb to the winner. Sire De Grugy has run twice at Prestbury Park; both times, he was collared on the run-in. Whilst thought to need soft/heavy ground to show his best form, it is worth noting his six best chasing RPR’s came on good, soft, and heavy.

ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE

159

162

Since returning from injury in May 2012, Arvika Ligeonniere has won four Grade One Chases. Three came on right-handed tracks. In addition, his two Grade Two wins came on right-handed tracks. He finished third to Benefficient at Leopardstown over Christmas before bolting up at Punchestown in early February. His one run at Cheltenham saw him pulled up in the 2013 Arkle. Whilst Ruby Walsh is confident he acts left-handed, the evidence suggests otherwise. Handles good to soft through to heavy.

SOMERSBY

159

163

This fellow has been a top-level performer for five seasons He won the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter last November before finishing second to Sire De Grugy in the Tingle Creek. Despite his consistency, he is yet to win at Cheltenham.

AL FEROF

158

166

Injured following the 2012 Paddy Power Gold Cup, Al Ferof has had contrasting fortunes this season. Returning at Ascot in a two-horse affair, he jumped and galloped for fun, leading all the way to win easily. Sent for the King George at Kempton Park, a combination of heavy ground, three-miles, and perhaps, the dreaded “bounce,” saw him staying on into a well-beaten third. Reappearing on atrocious ground in the Denman Chase at Newbury, his stamina appeared to give out half a mile from home. His top three FSF ratings have come over two or two and half-miles. Whilst the Ryanair is seemingly the favoured option, a big run in this race would not come as a surprise.

BENEFFICIENT

158

161

Benefficient has three Grade One wins to his name including the 2013 Jewson Chase. His three best FSF ratings have come on left-handed tracks on good to soft through too heavy. Ratings and form suggest he is similarly effective two or two and a half-miles. Sure to be a player in his chosen race.

WISHFULL THINKING

157

161

Enjoying something of a renaissance gaining his third course win on Trials Day at the end Of January. Six-lengths behind Sire De Grugy last April at Sandown park. RPR’s suggest he is in better form this season. Despite his advancing years he is capable of a bold display. Handles most ground conditions.

KID CASSIDY

156

158

Has had his fair share of misfortune in his career. Nevertheless, when on song he is a more than capable two-mile chaser. Won here in November, coming through late to catch Sire De Grugy. Would enjoy a fast pace and dangerous to write him off given that scenario. Five of his six wins have come on good or good to soft.

Special Tiara

156

158

Sprung a 28/1 surprise when winning the 2013 Maghull Chase at Aintree. Finished third to Kid Cassidy here in November before flopping (not for the first time) at Punchestown on heavy ground. Best on good through too soft.

SIZING EUROPE

155

163

Winner of the 2010 Arkle. Returned the following season to land the 2011 Champion Chase, before finishing second in 2012 and 2013. Tried over a variety of distances this season, he has been unable to match anything like last season’s form.

BAILY GREEN

153

157

Four contrasting runs this season. Two runner-up spots over two and a half-miles came in Grade Two Chases on right-handed tracks. His two other starts saw him well beaten in a Grade One two-mile chase and a two-mile handicap hurdle. Handles most ground conditions.

MODULE

153

158

Game and consistent lightly raced chaser. Ran well in the Peterborough chase, prior to rallying to take the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. Fourth in the 2012 Jewson Novice Chase and possibly best over two and a half-miles. Handles good to soft though too heavy.

CAPTAIN CONAN

152

160

Chase form shows steady improvement. However, it is something of a worry he has run just one race this season. That came at Sandown Park in the Tingle Creek when third to Sire De Grugy. He looked to blow up that day and should improve considerably. However, the past ten winners of this race all raced in the same calendar year. Stays two and a half-miles but found the hill catching him out in the Jewson Novice Chase at last year’s Festival. Beat Sire De Grugy fair and square here in November 2012, off level weights. Handles most ground conditions and every chance we are yet to see the best of him

HINTERLAND

147

153

Progressive form this season over fences. Last seen in the Henry VII Chase when he got the better of Grandouet by a neck at Sandown Park. Improved his RPR by 17lb compared to his run in the same race a year earlier. Won and placed twice over hurdles at Prestbury Park. Appears best on good or good to soft.

Alderwood

146

153

Yet to show anything like his 2013 Festival form this season. In the Grand Annual, he received 1lb from Kid Cassidy and beat him three and a half-lengths. (Last fence omitted) Handles most ground conditions.

ASTRACAD

146

146

Useful handicap chaser when on song. Thirty-lengths behind Sire De Grugy at Kempton Park last time out. Best on good or good to soft.