ROBIN - Warwick

 

The Classic chase at 3.00 is always an excellent race and probably doesn't get the kudos it deserves especially as a Grand National and Regional National Trial. It's fantastic to see The Veterans Chase Final moved to a venue which can make or break great Chasers and which is a true test of any Chaser and in front of a proper "pork and stuffing NH crowd" and not the prawn sandwich brigade! 

 

3.00 Handicap Chase - Class 1 - 3 miles 5 furlongs - 14 run - Soft

 

As indicated, so many in with chances but this extended trip of dead Going will require a strong heart, genuine staying power and the ability to get in and stay in a rhythm.

 

MAJOR DUNDEE really jumps off the page at me, runner up in the 2022 Scottish National and winner of the 2023 Midlands Nation both over an extended 4 miles. He's had 2 runs, stamina assured and I think off this mark in the mid 130's will need a top 3 here to get an option in the Aintree Grand National which is surely the aim provided there is suitable ground at Aintree in April. Alan King has suggested this is the target race for this part of the season and that just adds to my confidence.

 

CREDO is upped 2 furlongs in trip but shows every sign of handling it with the added assurance of a stamina laden pedigree. The Trainer is perfectly able of winning this type of race with the right horse and if you are looking for the best jockey to ride round here with the metronome in the head it's Sam Twiston - Davies

 

VOLCANO may lack the out and out class of a number of these but is a dour stayer who was 5th in this last year, less heavy Going will suit and it's a Course and Distance specialist perfectly capable of picking up some e/w enhanced shrapnel at a price! 

 

Malina Girl is the hot favourite and I would not put anyone off a win saver at 3/1 BUT these are tricky fences for a horse not used to them!

 

Tips (1) Major Dundee / (2) Credo / (3s) Volcano

 

3.35 Veteran Series Handicap Chase Final - Class 2 - 3 miles - 16 run - Soft

 

A fantastic renewal on a great Track and almost all of them have claims.  

 

I narrowed the 16 down to 5 main chances and of those I will very reluctantly leave out MILL GREEN who will be my reserve if there is a non runner.

 

There are two in here who despite the "veteran tag" may still have some scope as relatively lightly raced horses who may still be able to not only hit peak rating but possibly push the ceiling yet higher.

 

THOMAS DARBY, a Course and Distance winner last time, really doesn't have that many miles on the clock and should be capable of winning with a 4lbs penalty. SAM BROWN has had a couple of runs to get fit and runs off an appealing mark of 147. The run he had at Punchestown last April really is a standout effort and I'll be very disappointed if these pair aren't bang in contention at the line.

 

A couple who come in to my consideration with head and heart are NESTOR PARK a Course winner over an ideal trip a mark of 132 is appealing more so is the realisation he carries just 10 stone 7lbs here and they go for the Blinkers first time. I can ignore a run before Christmas when I think the Yard had vaccinated and went through a flat spell. CYCLOP would bring the roof off if it won, this wonderful little horse jumps for fun and again the weight (or lack of it) si scrucial, used to lugging 11 stones plus, it'll benefit from 10 stones and 3lbs with a Claim and can lead them all for a long way and when it gets in to a rhythm, don't totally discount the dream scenario.

 

Tips (1) Thomas Darby / (2) Sam Brown / (3s) Nestor Park / (4s) Cyclop - reserve Mill Green