MARTATOR's winning run came to an end in the Desert Orchid at Kempton but he can quickly get back on the scoresheet back down in class. Matata arrives at the top of his game and is feared most ahead of another prominent racer Sans Bruit.
Martator
Matata
Sans Bruit
2m Hcap Chs
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
1. Matata
J: J. J. SlevinT: Nigel Twiston-Davies
F: 12240-212
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
155
Days Since Last Run:
42
Verdict
Headstrong sort but he made up into a smart novice chaser last term and he's improved again in handicaps at Cheltenham this autumn, finishing close second on return before going one better 23 days later. Only just denied at Kelso since and remains of interest.
8. Etalon
J: Harry SkeltonT: Dan Skelton
F: 4/1117-595
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
10-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
135
Days Since Last Run:
36
Verdict
Rapid improver sent chasing last term, winning first 3 starts before shaping better than bare result in Aintree Grade 1 on final start. Seemingly being brought along gradually this term, finishing a bit closer when fifth of 6 at Cheltenham (16.3f, good to soft) 5 weeks ago. Not one to rule out yet.
2. Martator
J: Charlie DeutschT: Venetia Williams
F: 23111-113
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
151
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
Smart handicap chaser who brought up the 5-timer with plenty to spare at Ascot in November. Not at same level when third at Kempton but return to a lower class is in his favour and likely to give a good account. Engaged 2.15 Ascot Saturday.
6. Harpers Brook
J: Kielan WoodsT: Dan Skelton
F: 0210-P521
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
10-12
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
139
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
Has his quirks but has plenty of ability and got off the mark for the season/for current yard under a cute ride at Wetherby last month. This more competitive but respected all the same.
7. Sans Bruit
J: Harry CobdenT: Paul Nicholls
F: 70213-33P
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
10-11
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
138
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
Ex-French gelding who ran out a fine winner of Red Rum Handicap at Aintree. Showed all his usual zip when third in Haldon Gold Cup on return and not disgraced when filling same spot behind Martator at Ascot. Did too much too soon at Kempton since and can bounce back.
5. Crebilly
J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.T: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
F: 61/F4127-0
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-1
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
142
Days Since Last Run:
99
Verdict
Did well over fences last term, his highlight coming when a fine second in Plate Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Presumably having a pipe-opener back hurdling after 6 months off when down the field at Chepstow in October but off the track since.
9. Arctic Bresil
J: Rachael BlackmoreT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
F: 4/4420-P0P
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
10-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
129
Days Since Last Run:
22
Verdict
From top Irish stable but remains a maiden over fences and stuffed all 3 starts this season.
4. Unexpected Party
J: Fergus GillardT: Dan Skelton
F: 5491P-524
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
145
Days Since Last Run:
65
Verdict
Enjoyed his finest hour when landing Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Not disgraced when 13ΒΌ lengths last of 4 to Jonbon in Shloer Chase at Cheltenham (15.9f) in November but this probably not his long-term target.
3. Editeur Du Gite
J: Niall HoulihanT: Gary & Josh Moore
F: 415P-P9P5
Price History:
-
Age:
11
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
145
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
Bold-jumping front runner who landed Desert Orchid Chase for second consecutive season 13 months ago. Not been in anything like the same form in 6 subsequent runs, however, including when bidding for his third win in Desert Orchid Chase latest.