The 4.07 at Newbury is a proper staying handicap chase for the grade, and it looks set up to be run at a strong, honest gallop. With two habitual front runners in Wheresmemoneygone and Sheldon likely to force the pace, this shouldn’t turn into a tactical crawl. Instead, the emphasis is likely to fall firmly on stamina, jumping efficiency, and the ability to finish off a race strongly over 2m6½f on good to soft ground.
That pace angle is key. Wheresmemoneygone has been thriving with aggressive tactics and is clearly progressing, but he won’t get an easy lead here. Sheldon also likes to go forward but has a tendency to weaken, and if both go on, they could set things up for something ridden with more restraint. Around Newbury, where rhythm and clean jumping matter, a contested lead often leaves the race vulnerable to a closer.
That brings the hold-up horses firmly into play. Kalista Love stands out on that front. She has been finishing her races strongly, and her profile suggests she’s still improving. In a race where the pace looks assured, she’s likely to be played late, and this track should suit her style. She doesn’t want to get too far back, but if she’s within striking distance turning in, she has the finishing kick to take this.
Another Fine Mess appeals for similar reasons. He’s taken well to chasing, is still going the right way, and has shown he can finish off his races. He may not have quite the same turn of foot as Kalista Love, but he is solid, stays well, and looks tailor-made for how this race could unfold.
Holetown is a slightly different case. She bounced back when returned to fences and could still be well treated based on earlier French form. She’s not as obviously suited by a strong pace as the hold-up types, but she has the scope to improve further in this sphere and is one to keep onside.
Of the rest, Petty Cash is about as reliable as they come at this level. He’ll be doing his best work late and is the type to pick off beaten horses if things fall apart up front. Dunstall Rambler fits a similar mould and could outrun bigger odds if the race collapses late on.
The Boola Boss, last year’s winner, is respected back at the track but is now a 10-year-old and may find a few too strong if this turns into a test for younger, progressive legs.
Overall, this looks like a race where the shape matters more than the raw ratings. With a strong pace likely, siding with horses that can travel and finish makes the most sense.
Kalista Love gets the vote as the one most likely to benefit from how the race is run, with Another Fine Mess a solid danger. Petty Cash is the one to consider for each-way players, given his consistency and running style in a race that should play to his strengths.