2.15 Leicester: expert analysis, tipster viewpoint, trainer quotes and key stats

2.15 Leicester
Somerby Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) | 2m6½f | 5yo+ | Live on RTV

Likely favourite Pistol Whipped has the dual advantages of being unexposed under rules and already having a taking win over this course and distance to his name.

That is a generous reading of his win here last time which, while undoubtedly impressive, came in a steadily run race, where all six finishers were within six lengths. In other words, Pistol Whipped is evidently adept at coping with a test of speed.

In fairness, he may get another one here, at least in relative terms on what is likely to be testing ground. None of the five runners have a history of setting the pace and it could turn into another sprint up the straight.

In theory, the likeliest to take them along could well be Late Romantic, who tends to track the pace. He won at Wetherby three starts back and has had his last two races at Haydock. The first time, he was poorly placed in a race dictated by Perfect Candidate and then he looked to just fail for stamina in the Tommy Whittle last month. Both were tougher assignments than this and Paddy Brennan is the sort of rider who may well fancy the opportunity to have the race to himself.

Looks Like Murt would be an unlikely pacesetter, it is neither his nor rider Derek Fox's way, but he is interesting from a form perspective. He fell at Newcastle last time but was yet to be asked for his effort five out. Whether he would have won that race, given Domaine De L'Isle and Sam's Adventure were first and second, is up for question. Had he been so much as a close third, he would be of obvious interest off the same mark of 127.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

What do the stats say?

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Looks Like Murt, has never had a winner at Leicester and has had only one runner at the venue in the past five years.

Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies, who combine with The Hollow Ginge, are the only previous winners of this having landed the first running with Algernon Pazham in 2014.

What do the trainers say?

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of The Hollow Ginge
He didn't run very well at Haydock last time but he's been fine since and hopefully can bounce back, The plan is to win this so he can get high enough in the handicap to run in the Grand National.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Pistol Whipped
He won well there the last time and I hope he can do it again. I think he goes on the soft and the trip is perfect.

Oliver Greenall, trainer of Late Romantic
He ran well in the Tommy Whittle to be fourth when he was just run out of third by Vintage Clouds, who has won since, so the form is solid. He runs his best races when it's really testing so I hope the going is heavy as they are saying it is.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Looks Like Murt
He fell last time but I've been pleased with him at home since and it was either this or a handicap at Newcastle, but it makes sense to keep him in novice company for now. He's not got many miles on the clock but we've always thought a lot of him and hopefully going chasing will make a man of him.

Reporting by David Milnes

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