CRUZ CONTROL had a really good first season over fences and with a spin over hurdles under his belt, he's taken to regain the winning thread. Tahmuras is also expected to run much closer to form this time, with Young Buster completing the shortlist.
Cruz Control
Tahmuras
Young Buster
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
3. Cruz Control
J: Stan SheppardT: Tom Lacey
F: 122511-47
Price History:
3.25
Age:
7
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
140
Days Since Last Run:
60
Verdict
Ended last term with 3m chase win here and shaped well when fourth of 12 in handicap chase at Punchestown (24.5f, soft) a month later under an attacking ride. Spin over hurdles in October should have put him spot on for this so he's a major player.
8. Some Scope
J: Callum PritchardT: Richard Hobson
F: P51124-P4
Price History:
4.50
Age:
6
Weight:
10-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
124
Days Since Last Run:
26
Verdict
Had a good first season over fences, winning on 2 of his 5 starts and ending campaign with creditable fourth of 14 in handicap chase at Cheltenham in April. Looked rusty there on return but had a breathing operation after and much more like it when fourth in the Rehearsal Chase.
2. Tahmuras
J: Nick ScholfieldT: Paul Nicholls
F: 107/3122-5
Price History:
4.50
Age:
7
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
143
Days Since Last Run:
33
Verdict
Created a good impression when winning his first 3 starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown. Cast aside a tame chase debut when scoring in first-time cheekpieces at Aintree on Boxing Day and similar form when runner-up next 2 starts. Expected to step up on reappearance.
5. Sine Nomine
J: James TurnerT: Fiona Needham
F: 31/2111-U
Price History:
6.00
Age:
8
Weight:
10-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
133
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
Has a likeable profile both in points and under Rules, making it 4 wins from 6 starts in hunter chases when landing the Festival Challenge Cup at Cheltenham (26.3f, heavy). Strong traveller but jumping failed the test on last month's reappearance under this rider.
6. Young Buster
J: Jonathan BurkeT: Fergal O'Brien
F: 4/1113P-25
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
10-10
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
132
Days Since Last Run:
61
Verdict
Much improved sent chasing last term, completing hat-trick in a handicap at Kelso (22.3f) a year ago. Back to that sort of form both starts this term 5 months apart and eased 1 lb since. Cheekpieces back on.
7. Good Boy Bobby
J: Jamie BraceT: Nigel Twiston-Davies
F: 17350-332
Price History:
-
Age:
11
Weight:
10-9
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
131
Days Since Last Run:
22
Verdict
Back-to-back winner in 3m veterans' handicap chases this time last year and went with more zest than at Sandown when second of 7 at Haydock (25.6f). Slight step back in trip will help but he could be vulnerable to younger legs.
4. Kinondo Kwetu
J: Jonathan EnglandT: Sam England
F: PP112P55
Price History:
17.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
138
Days Since Last Run:
12
Verdict
Back on-song when bagging handicaps at Uttoxeter and Worcester during the summer. Followed that with a solid second at Perth in September and by no means disgraced in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle (23.4f, good). Added another sound run to his CV at Doncaster since.
1. Mr Incredible
J: Ryan ManiaT: Sandy Thomson
F: B23U/2UR-P
Price History:
21.00
Age:
8
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
150
Days Since Last Run:
222
Verdict
Is quirky but no doubting his ability, placing in another good handicap in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter in March. In rear (lost several lengths at start) when unseating halfway in Grand National and wasn't on a "going" day finally start for Willie Mullins in May.