Race Preview: 3.0

Date: Sunday, 19th January 2025
Time: 3:05 PM
Distance: 2m6f (4881 yards)
Class: 2
Going: Soft
Age: 5yo+
Prize for Winner: £85,850
Course Type: Figure-of-8, 15 fences

Top Contenders:

1. Djelo (FR)

Odds: 9/4 (Favourite)

Trainer: Miss Venetia Williams

Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

Age/Sex: 7yo Gelding

Official Rating (OR): 160

Form: 1F23821

Notes: Comes off a strong win and has proven ability over this trip. The stable is in good form, and Charlie Deutsch’s partnership with the trainer has been successful in similar contests. One to beat.



2. Protektorat (FR)

Odds: 5/2

Trainer: Daniel Skelton

Jockey: Harry Skelton

Age/Sex: 10yo Gelding

Official Rating (OR): 165

Form: 3231362

Notes: Highly consistent but without a win for a while. Top-rated horse in the field and capable on soft ground. A strong performance is expected, but might lack the cutting edge compared to the favourite.



3. Ahoy Senor (IRE)

Odds: 4/1

Trainer: Miss Lucinda Russell

Jockey: Derek R Fox

Age/Sex: 10yo Gelding

Official Rating (OR): 168

Form: P43623P

Notes: A high-class stayer with experience, but patchy recent form and a tendency for errors over fences. If he gets a clear round, he has the ability to challenge the leaders.



4. Journey With Me (IRE)

Odds: 13/2

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe

Age/Sex: 9yo Gelding

Official Rating (OR): 160

Form: 21F3176

Notes: Represents a top yard with an excellent reputation in staying chases. A mixed season so far but has the potential to outrun his odds if conditions suit.



5. Indiana Dream (FR)

Odds: 8/1

Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill

Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

Age/Sex: 7yo Gelding

Official Rating (OR): 152

Form: 11

Notes: The least experienced in the field but has impressed with back-to-back wins. This represents a big step up in class, but he’s unexposed and could be the dark horse.





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Key Points:

Pace: Likely to be a steady gallop, with experienced frontrunners like Ahoy Senor potentially setting the tempo.

Ground Suitability: Soft ground favors proven stayers, such as Djelo and Protektorat. Indiana Dream’s ability to handle the conditions is untested at this level.

Historical Trends: Last year’s winner came from the Venetia Williams yard, and Djelo will look to repeat that success.



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Prediction:

1. Djelo (FR) – Proven class and stable form give him the edge.


2. Protektorat (FR) – Consistent and rated highly but might lack the finishing kick.


3. Ahoy Senor (IRE) – A threat if his jumping holds up.



Each-Way Value:

Indiana Dream (FR) – Young and unexposed, could surprise at good odds.


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