A small but competitive six-runner mares’ handicap where tactics could prove decisive. The pace forecast suggests this may develop into a steadily run race, and at Warwick that often places the emphasis on position and accurate jumping rather than outright stamina.
The market is headed by Irish Chorus, and on recent chase form she has a solid case. Alan King’s mare quickly got the hang of fences when winning at Leicester in December and followed that with a respectable second at Taunton. She would likely have finished closer there but for late jumping errors. She remains relatively unexposed over fences and her mark of 106 still looks workable. The main question is tactical: if the pace is slow and she finds herself further back than ideal, she may have ground to make up late on.
The one who could be best suited by how this race is likely to unfold is Bobbi’s Beauty. Martin Keighley’s mare has been running consistently well in similar company and arrives here after two runner-up efforts. She tends to race handily, which could be a major advantage in a small field with limited pace. The 5 lb claim from Freddie Keighley also helps and effectively leaves her very well treated. If she gets into a good rhythm near the front, she looks the one most likely to control matters.
From a ratings perspective She Is For Me Boys demands respect. She has the strongest HRB figure in the race and looked a progressive type earlier in the season when winning impressively on her chasing debut at Kempton. However, her last two runs have been disappointing, including a heavy defeat at Wetherby. She has since undergone breathing surgery and could easily bounce back, but she does need to prove that the earlier promise remains intact.
Politacus has struggled to get competitive since returning from a lengthy absence, although there was a small hint of encouragement at Ludlow last time before a bad mistake halted her momentum. Even so, she still has plenty to prove at present.
Top weight Epinephrine has yet to show much over fences and her recent efforts in small fields have been well below what is required here. She looks opposable unless producing a dramatic turnaround.
Claim Du Brizais is the potential improver. Dan Skelton’s mare is lightly raced over fences and returns after a break. Her chase form so far is modest but she remains open to progress and the Skelton yard tends to do well at this track.
In a race where the pace looks weak, tactical positioning could decide everything. Bobbi’s Beauty appears the runner most likely to get the right setup and her consistent recent form makes her the percentage call. Irish Chorus is the obvious danger if her jumping holds up, while She Is For Me Boys is the wildcard should the breathing operation spark a revival.
Selection: Bobbi’s Beauty
Main danger: Irish Chorus
Value angle: She Is For Me Boys