Race Preview: 14:55 Wincanton – Buy At Irish Bloodstock Sales Handicap Chase (Class 3, 3m 1f 30y, Heavy Going)

Thursday’s feature race at Wincanton presents a fascinating handicap chase where stamina and ground handling will be key. With six runners declared, this Class 3 event over 3m 1f 30y on heavy going is set to test the mettle of every horse.

Race Overview & Key Contenders

🥇 Ioupy Collonges (9/4 F) – The Class Act?

Paul Nicholls’ Ioupy Collonges arrives as the favourite, and for good reason. The seven-year-old gelding has been progressing nicely, winning over this course and distance last time out on soft ground. That win came in a small field, where his strong stamina and prominent racing style helped him dictate the pace.

Nicholls has a 27% strike rate at Wincanton since 2020/21, and jockey Harry Cobden has an even more impressive 32% strike rate here. The trainer also boasts a 23% strike rate with chasers over this trip, reinforcing the chances of a strong run.

However, there is a slight concern about his finishing effort. He has previously traded much lower in-running before getting beaten, which raises doubts about whether he truly finds for pressure in the closing stages. With cheekpieces added, connections will hope that extra focus gets him home in front.


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🥈 Montgomery (7/2) – The Value Pick

Representing the Venetia Williams-Charlie Deutsch combination, Montgomery looks an interesting contender. Venetia’s horses thrive in heavy conditions, and Montgomery’s staying power makes him a serious threat. He won three chases last season and shaped well when fifth at Sandown (28.7f) in December. His most recent run at Haydock was disappointing, but given that was only three weeks after his seasonal return, he may have needed a longer break.

His stamina credentials are strong, and if this turns into a slog, he could be the one to grind them down late on.


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🥉 Pedley Wood (3/1) – Well-Positioned to Challenge

Joe Tizzard’s Pedley Wood also has strong claims, coming off a recent win at Wincanton (2m5f, soft). While he was back in trip that day, he is actually better suited to staying trips, and this stiffer stamina test will be in his favour.

Tactically, he is well placed in an evenly run race, where hold-up horses often struggle at this trip on this track. That gives him a better chance than Sheldon, who is likely to be ridden from the rear.

While he has yet to prove himself in this higher class, his recent form and fitness edge make him a solid place contender.


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Other Runners: Can They Upset the Market Leaders?

Good Boy Bobby (6/1): A strong veteran, but carrying top weight in heavy ground is a tough ask. His third in the Rowland Meyrick last time was a good run, but he hasn’t won on heavy and could struggle late on.

Bill Baxter (15/2): Won the Topham Chase (Aintree) last season but hasn’t looked the same horse since. Jumping errors are a major issue, and he has failed to complete in two of his last four runs. Needs a revival, but market support would be interesting.

Sheldon (12/1): Two course wins over shorter, but unproven over this trip. He may struggle to stay on heavy ground, and his hold-up tactics don’t suit this track.



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Final Verdict & Betting Strategy

🏆 Win Bet: Ioupy Collonges (9/4) – He ticks all the boxes, but beware of his finishing effort.

💰 Each-Way Bet: Montgomery (7/2) – Proven stamina, Venetia’s record in these conditions is strong.

🎯 Forecast: Ioupy Collonges / Montgomery / Pedley Wood – The three strongest stayers in the race.

🚨 Potential Lay: Bill Baxter (15/2) – Jumping concerns, unseated last time.

This promises to be a proper staying test on gruelling ground, and with the right tactical positioning, the winner will likely come from the first three in the market.