Race Preview: Fontwell 4:15 (Class 5 Handicap Chase)

This is a Class 5 handicap chase over a testing 3 miles, 1 furlong, and 210 yards. Stamina will be paramount, especially around Fontwell’s unique track. It features several course specialists and a couple of horses arriving in excellent form.

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Runner-by-Runner Analysis

• Record High (12-0, OR99):
  • A course and distance winner here back in February on heavy ground off OR95. He was also second here over further in January. Pulled up when last seen 190 days ago (trainer blamed ground).
  • Needs to bounce back after that poor run and layoff, and prove himself on likely better ground today. Sean Bowen is a top jockey booking.
• Leading Swoop (11-10, OR95):
  • Another course and distance winner (March, off OR89) and boasts an excellent record here (1 win, 6 places from 8 runs). Ran well when 3rd off this mark at Plumpton when last seen 203 days ago.
  • Extremely consistent at this track and level. The long break is the only real negative, but if fit, he’s a huge player under Harry Kimber, who knows him well.
• Ballintara (11-0, OR85):
  • This remarkable 13-year-old is a dual course and distance winner, including off OR83 here back in May. He was also 3rd here off the same mark before that.
  • Age is no barrier to this veteran when he runs at Fontwell. He’s only 2lb higher than his last win and retains plenty of enthusiasm. Solid claims.
• Lough Owel (11-4, OR89):
  • Lightly-raced chaser who has finished second on both chase starts, including over this course and distance 46 days ago off OR90.
  • Unexposed and improving profile over fences. Stayed on well last time and should be competitive again off a 1lb lower mark.
• Grand Sabre (10-10, OR81):
  • Won off OR76 at Warwick in May but was tailed off when last seen 141 days ago.
  • Needs to bounce back significantly from that poor effort and prove his stamina for this trip.
• He Is A Cracker (10-8, OR79):
  • Loves Fontwell (1 win, 1 place from 6 runs). Ran a fine race when second over course and distance just 20 days ago behind Of Corse I Can, battling gamely off this mark.
  • Gets a significant 10lb pull at the weights with today’s rival thanks to Isabelle Ryder’s 7lb claim. Race fit and clearly in good heart. Strong chance to reverse the form.
• Noble Cave (10-2, OR73):
  • Form has been poor (5647), and he bled from the nose last time out 27 days ago.
  • Looks outclassed and stamina is a major doubt.
• Of Corse I Can (10-2, OR73):
  • Has been transformed by fences and is seeking a hat-trick. Won easily over course and distance 20 days ago (beating He Is A Cracker) off OR71, and followed up just 5 days ago at Newton Abbot off OR73.
  • Carries a 7lb penalty for that latest win, but jockey Bradley Harris claims 3lb, meaning he effectively runs off OR77 (carrying 9-13). He’s officially rated OR73 still, so technically 6lb well-in even with the penalty. The clear form pick. ⭐

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Verdict

This looks set to be dominated by the rapidly improving Of Corse I Can. He beat He Is A Cracker decisively over C&D last time and followed up easily just five days ago. Even with a penalty, he looks significantly ahead of the handicapper and is the one they all have to beat, despite the quick turnaround.

He Is A Cracker gets a big weight swing with Of Corse I Can due to his rider’s 7lb claim and is expected to get much closer this time around his favoured track. He looks the main danger. The veteran Ballintara loves it here and should run his usual solid race. Leading Swoop would be a major player if fully fit after his break.

1. Of Corse I Can2. He Is A Cracker3. Ballintara