Warren Greatrex saddles TWO favourites on the opening day of the festival - read his thoughts.
We are delighted that OUT SAM has got into the Ultima Handicap Chase as we wanted to go over three miles with him.
It’s no secret that he looks very well handicapped off 139 given what he did at Newbury and our original plan to go for the RSA Chase with him had to be shelved when we saw his mark. It’s a great opportunity as we think he’s a much better horse than 139 implies, and he improved significantly for stepping up to 3m last time, so this is definitely the right race for him.
Being well-handicapped is only half the battle as I would think at least two thirds of the field would be considered to have a bit in hand of their marks – we will need a lot of luck along the way, but he’s a sound jumper who goes into the races in great form, so we go there with high hopes.
It’s no secret that he looks very well handicapped off 139 given what he did at Newbury and our original plan to go for the RSA Chase with him had to be shelved when we saw his mark. It’s a great opportunity as we think he’s a much better horse than 139 implies, and he improved significantly for stepping up to 3m last time, so this is definitely the right race for him.
Being well-handicapped is only half the battle as I would think at least two thirds of the field would be considered to have a bit in hand of their marks – we will need a lot of luck along the way, but he’s a sound jumper who goes into the races in great form, so we go there with high hopes.
Out Sam - 1pt @ 7/1
I was in two minds about running WARRANTOR in the NH Chase after his two mishaps last month – after all it’s hardly the best preparation for a race like this, but we’ve schooled him intensely since and he’s in much better shape now. He’s a strong staying type who has the ability to run well in a race like this if he gets into a rhythm. He loves soft ground so I would be a little concerned if it dried out too quickly, but providing it’s still on the soft side, he should be okay. I know he's a big price but I wouldn’t underestimate him, he’s got the ability to play a major part in a race like this if he gets a bit of luck along the way.
Warrantor - 1pt @ 40/1
ALOOMOMO is one of the best jumpers of a fence you will see and he’s got a great chance in the concluding novices’ handicap chase. He’s been a star for us this season, progressing at a race of knots and he was super impressive when completing the hat-trick at Newbury’s Hennessy meeting.
We have been looking after his mark ever since which is why his prep run came over hurdles at Ascot, where he ran a cracker - I couldn’t have asked for a better run. He’s a completely different horse over the bigger obstacles, his jumping is electric, and that will stand him in good stead for a race as competitive as this. He is absolutely bouncing at home and although it’s a hugely competitive race, we have a very exciting horse on our hands.
We have been looking after his mark ever since which is why his prep run came over hurdles at Ascot, where he ran a cracker - I couldn’t have asked for a better run. He’s a completely different horse over the bigger obstacles, his jumping is electric, and that will stand him in good stead for a race as competitive as this. He is absolutely bouncing at home and although it’s a hugely competitive race, we have a very exciting horse on our hands.
Aloomomo - 1pt @ 6/1
