3m1/2f – Handicap Chase

A race that has gone the way of a novice chaser three times in the last six years and it makes sense to stick with them again this season.  The Package (6/1,Ladbrokes) ticks the right boxes for trainer David Pipe and he has been heavily backed in the build up to the Festival.  He looks like he has been aimed at this race for some time and his handicap mark has been well protected by a stable that won the race in 2008.

He is sure to give a good account of himself but a chance is taken with Alan King’s lightly raced seven-year-old BENSALEM (11/2, Paddy Power) who brings some serious form to the table.  After landing three from four races over hurdles, the selection has performed with great credit in defeat on all of his starts over fences and has twice looked like a huge threat to top class novice Diamond Harry.  After looking all over the RSA Chase contender before falling at Haydock, Bensalem got to within two lengths of Nick Williams’ star at Newbury, pulling well clear of the useful Inchidaly Rock.  That was another impressive performance from King’s horse and it is not hard to see why the trainer had this race in mind ever since.  He has been treated more than fairly by the handicapper and connections are delighted with the mark he has slipped into the race on.  Versatile when it comes to the ground, he will have to jump better than he has done on his last two starts but he is an improving sort and Wichita Lineman clattered every fence before winning this race last year.  He remains a hugely talented chaser facing a number of exposed handicappers.

Theatrical Moment (12/1, Bet365) deserves a mention and is finally beginning to live up to his hype while The Tother One (14/,1 Betfred) is not dismissed lightly, but the biggest danger could come in the shape of Ogee (14/1, Ladbrokes) who also looks well treated based on his smart hurdle form.  Three from four over fences, he is easily forgiven his defeat at the hands of Long Run and Tazbar in the Feltham at Kempton. 

Nick Wilby's selection - Bensalem (11/2, Paddy Power)