Just a small field for the feature of Monday’s Worcester card, a handicap chase over two and a half miles. Read on for our expert tip and runner by runner preview.
IN SUMMARY: A number of these are a little past their best, the young improver in the line-up is SONNEOFPRESENTING who has progressed this season having strengthened up. He looks like he is well capable of a further rise in the handicap, with the quick ground in his favour. One Term has been higher rated in the past and looks the main danger given his solid record at this track in the past.
1 ONE TERM – Has won two of his three starts at this track, including over this trip back in May. He didn’t back that effort up next time out at Aintree but back over hurdles that day, it wasn’t a surprise that he found others with a bit more toe. He has won off this mark in the past, at Stratford in 2015, so is probably still capable off this mark despite now being ten years old.
2 WADSWICK COURT – Promised a lot in his younger days, the winner of four of his first six starts, but he has failed to reach the heights that had initially looked possible, scoring just once in his last twenty one runs. Capable of making his presence felt if on a going day, but looks an unlikely winner unless the field gift him a soft lead,
3 OWEN NA VIEW – Won over three miles in a point to point in his youth, but his wins under rules have all come around two miles. Has returned to his most recent winning mark which at least gives him some sort of chance, but his completion rate of late leaves plenty to be desired, looks to have no more than an outside chance.
4 SONNEOF PRESENTING – Lightly raced type, is now starting to fulfil his potential, the winner of his last two starts. He was impressive at Fontwell last time despite the ground being softer than is ideal for him, this dryer surface should see him up his form still further. In a race where the majority are fully exposed, he is the young improver who can progress straight past them.
5 CHESTNUT BEN – Twelve year old veteran, he has shown that he is still capable of placing with a couple of sound efforts this year, although they have come at a lower level. Wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to see him in the money but it would be a little disappointing for the future form of the contest, if he is able to get his head in front.
6 IRISH THISTLE – Has picked up a couple of placed efforts this year but at a considerably lower level to this. Prize money goes down to sixth place but that is probably the best that he can hope for at this level from twelve pounds out of the handicap.