Small-field handicap chases at Plumpton are rarely about raw speed; they are about track suitability and jumping under pressure. With five runners lining up for the 3.15 Handicap Chase, the market focuses on two main protagonists, but a local specialist lurks in the long grass.
The Solid Choice: Icare Grandchamp (11/8)
If you’re looking for the horse most likely to run to its mark, it’s this one. Gary Moore’s 8-year-old was a narrow second at Haydock last month in a race where everything went wrong—he unseated the rider on the way to the post and was hampered late in the day. Despite that, he stayed on powerfully. He handles soft ground, and the Moore/Quinn partnership is currently operating at a high strike rate at this venue. He is the clear one to beat.
The Main Danger: Non Stop (11/4)
Joe Tizzard’s charge is a model of consistency at this level. He was runner-up in this exact race twelve months ago and comes here on the back of a solid hurdles campaign. He’s back over the larger obstacles now and, while he carries top weight, his HRB Master Rating of 281.5 suggests he is the class act of the field. Expect Brendan Powell to keep him close to the pace throughout.
The Course Specialist: Alto Alto (20/1)
The “story” of the race. He has won the last two renewals of this contest. However, his form this season has been woeful. He was beaten 38 lengths at Exeter last time out and has struggled to find his rhythm. The upside? He is now 3lb lower than his winning mark from last year and returns to the only track where he seems to truly thrive. He’s a risky proposition, but in a five-runner race, he cannot be entirely dismissed.
The Outsiders: Cobblers Boy & Its Easy
Cobblers Boy (Dan Skelton) was disappointing on his chasing debut at Warwick, looking one-paced. Its Easy (Evan Williams) won well at Fakenham in November but has struggled since the handicapper raised her mark. Both need significant improvement to trouble the top two.
The Verdict
Icare Grandchamp is the professional’s selection. He is in peak condition, represents a dominant local yard, and the Haydock form looks the strongest on offer. Non Stop will likely ensure it’s a contest, but the Moore runner has the gears to pull away after the last.
Main Selection: Icare Grandchamp
Danger: Non Stop
Small EW (The Plot): Alto Alto