Game Spirit Chase (15:00 Newbury) – Matata’s Biggest Test Yet

The Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury presents a tactical puzzle, with Matata (15/8) stepping up in class after two impressive wins in handicaps. The market has latched onto his dominance, but is he really the bet at this price?

A very weak pace is forecast, which should favour front-runners. Matata looks the likeliest to dictate matters from the front, but with stronger opposition in this field, there are reasons to question whether his price still offers value.


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Matata – The Right Favourite, But Is 15/8 Too Short?

There’s no doubt Matata has been exceptional in handicaps, slamming his rivals at Cheltenham (26 lengths) and Windsor (10 lengths) with some eye-catching performances. His jumping, finishing speed, and strong sectionals all suggest he’s a horse going places.

However, those races were against inferior opposition in handicaps. This is his first real test in open Grade 2 company, and at 15/8, the market assumes he’ll handle the step up without issue. But that’s not a given:

1. He’s stepping up in class – beating handicappers easily is different from facing proven graded horses.


2. He may not get an easy lead – Libberty Hunter and Master Chewy are both capable of racing prominently.


3. At 15/8, you’re betting on everything going right – a flawless step up, perfect race positioning, and no late challengers.



While Matata could still win, the current price leaves little margin for error. If he were 5/2 or 11/4, he’d be much more appealing, but at 15/8, you’re taking a short price on a horse facing new questions.


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Market Overlooked: Libberty Hunter (7/2) Offers More Appeal

If Matata doesn’t dominate this race, the horse that could take advantage is Libberty Hunter (7/2). Evan Williams’ chaser is still improving and produced a career-best performance last time at Cheltenham, seeing out his race strongly to win by four lengths.

Unlike Matata, he has already shown he can win at this level, and he’s the type who won’t be reliant on a strong pace to show his best. If this turns into a tactical affair, he can sit handily and pounce when needed.

The market is still treating him as the second-string option, but there’s an argument that he should be closer to Matata in the betting.


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Master Chewy (15/2) – A Potentially Big Run at a Big Price

Another horse being underestimated is Master Chewy (15/2). His form is inconsistent, and his two falls in five runs explain why the market isn’t keen. But when he gets round, he’s shown plenty of ability.

Ran a strong third behind Libberty Hunter at Cheltenham, despite racing just a week after falling in the Tingle Creek (a tough turnaround).

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has a 22% strike rate with chasers at this trip, which suggests improvement could be on the cards.

If the race is run at a crawl, he has the tactical speed to sit close and challenge.


Given that Edwardstone is more exposed and Matata is too short, Master Chewy could be the best each-way play at the prices.


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Edwardstone (11/4) – The Class Act, But Not the Right Setup

Edwardstone has the best form in the race on paper, but this doesn’t look like his ideal race scenario. His best runs have come off strongly-run races where he can finish late, and that’s unlikely here.

He was well beaten by Jonbon last time (10½ lengths in the Clarence House Chase).

His jumping can be scratchy when racing at a slow pace, and he could find himself outpaced at a crucial stage.

If he wins, it’s because class prevails, but at 11/4, it’s hard to see the value given his dependency on a stronger gallop.



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Final Verdict – Matata Can Win, But The Value Lies Elsewhere

Matata (15/8) – The Most Likely Winner, But Overbet

Uncontested lead is possible, but facing proven Grade 2 rivals for the first time.

If everything falls into place, he’s the one to beat, but the price offers no real value.


Libberty Hunter (7/2) – The Best Value Bet

Already a proven Grade 2 winner.

Can race handily and doesn’t need a strong pace.

Still improving and priced generously.


Master Chewy (15/2) – The Best Each-Way Play

Unreliable but capable on his day.

Trainer in form, and last run behind Libberty Hunter was better than it looked.

Could sneak into the frame or pick up the pieces if others underperform.


Edwardstone (11/4) – Classy, But Wrong Race Shape

Needs a stronger gallop than he’s likely to get.

At his best, he’d have a big chance, but his recent form is underwhelming.




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Betting Angle

Libberty Hunter (7/2) looks the best bet – progressive, handles conditions, and isn’t reliant on race pace.

Master Chewy (15/2) is worth an each-way play at the prices.

Matata is the most likely winner, but at 15/8, there’s no real value left.


If the market pushes Matata out to 5/2 or bigger, then he’d become a bet. But at the current odds, there’s better value elsewhere.