A competitive renewal of the Kauto The King Handicap Chase over an intermediate trip, where drying ground and a lack of confirmed front-runners could lend itself to tactical rides. Seven runners are declared, with several arriving on the back of promising efforts in stronger company.


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Strongest Contenders

EXCELLO (Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Paul O’Brien | Timeform Rating: 162) (Non runner!)
A useful six-year-old chaser who shaped with real encouragement when bang in contention three out in the Topham Chase at Aintree before a significant mistake at the second-last put paid to his chance. That run, over National fences, is easy to forgive and he drops markedly in grade here. He remains unexposed over fences and is partnered by Henderson’s only runner on the card—significant given his good record at this meeting and a healthy profit to a £1 level stake in similar situations.

LIGHT N STRIKE (Trainer: Emma Lavelle | Jockey: Ben Jones | Timeform Rating: 160)
Returned to form when second to the well-handicapped Saint Segal at Chepstow last month. That was a strongly run race, and he benefited from the tempo, but he pulled nicely clear of the remainder and looks on a fair mark. While he tends to need things to fall right, his recent effort suggested he’s ready to win again.


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Main Dangers

YES INDEED (Trainer: Martin Keighley | Jockey: Sean Bowen | Timeform Rating: 160)
Has thrived since switching yards, landing back-to-back small-field wins at Stratford and Newton Abbot. He was unchallenged last time and now faces a sterner test in a more competitive setup, but he’s clearly in great heart. He’s proven on slower ground but has form on better going too, and with his running style evolving to a more prominent role, he could capitalise on a slow pace.

BOURBALI (FR) (Trainer: Joe Tizzard | Jockey: Brendan Powell | Timeform Rating: 161)
Capable handicapper who won well at Kempton earlier this season and shaped better than the result last time when badly hampered by a significant mistake at Chepstow. Given the weak projected pace, his ability to race handily could be an advantage. Not one to rule out lightly, especially if there is market support.


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Interesting Outsider

MAYHEM MYA (Trainer: Chris Honour | Jockey: Bryan Carver | Timeform Rating: 160)
Lightly raced over fences and ran with credit in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last time. That was a stiff task and she acquitted herself well, finishing a respectable fourth behind Dinoblue. A return to a calmer Class 2 environment gives her a squeak, and trainer Chris Honour has a fine record when travelling with just one runner. With the right pace shape, she could sneak into the mix.


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Best Watched

HANG IN THERE (IRE) (Trainer: Emma Lavelle | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Timeform Rating: 163)
A talented, if sometimes inconsistent, performer. Below form on recent starts and now 11 years old, his better days may be behind him. However, he did win the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last year and has the class to make an impact if bouncing back. Watch the market closely for signs of resurgence after a couple of below-par efforts.

SPYGLASS HILL (IRE) (Trainer: Barry Brennan | Jockey: Jack Tudor | Timeform Rating: 158x)
Now 12 and having just his second start since March, he’s been lightly raced in recent seasons. Pulled up on seasonal debut, then unseated early when his saddle slipped. Previous second at Exeter in veterans’ company shows there’s still some ability, but he’s hard to assess and best left alone unless strong market support emerges.


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Trends and Stats

Nicky Henderson saddled the winner of this race in 2022 (Eritage), and his sole representative Excello carries clear stable confidence.

6 of the last 7 winners were aged 7 to 9.

Horses rated between 129–135 have a strong record in this race, aligning well with Yes Indeed, Bourbali, and Excello.



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Summary

This looks a good opportunity for EXCELLO Withdrawn !) to get back on track after shaping well in a much deeper race last time out. LIGHT N STRIKE is running consistently well and should be thereabouts again, while YES INDEED is a thriving type who cannot be discounted. MAYHEM MYA and BOURBALI are both capable of springing a surprise in the right conditions, while market moves for the returning HANG IN THERE should be noted.