3.10 Huntingdon: the one race you do not want to miss on Wednesday

Best Odds Guaranteed At MansionBet Novices' Handicap Chase | 2m7½f | 4yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

The most valuable contest on Huntingdon's card does not come close to the riches Enable seeks in Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but connections of Alexander The Grey will be overjoyed if he hits the jackpot.

That might be easier said than done because the eight-year-old has had trainer Graeme McPherson tearing his hair out during his 26-race career, which has resulted in 26 defeats.

Howard Burdett's gelding has talent but does not always allow it to flourish, twice throwing away near-certain victory at Stratford this summer.

Should the enigmatic customer put it all together, McPherson and Burdett might be smiling like they have just won an Arc.

What do the stats say?

Brian Hughes rode 29 winners from 85 rides across August and September, operating at a healthy 34 per cent strike-rate, and David Dennis will be hoping he can continue that fine form on Schanbel, who is having his first start since a breathing operation.

Summer Getaway, who makes his debut for Katy Price, is another to have undergone wind surgery.

James Bowen: jockey has a good relationship with Christian WilliamsCredit: Edward Whitaker

No jockey has ridden more winners for Christian Williams than James Bowen, who partners Joey Steel, although the trainer reckons his other runner - Connor Brace's mount Watching Brief - may have a stronger chance.

What do the trainers say?

Alastair Ralph, trainer of Damut I'm Out
He's in good order and will enjoy the trip, while the ground should suit. He's been in good form through the summer and I expect him to be there or thereabouts. He's gone up in the weights, but I think he's still on the right side of the handicapper and Alex [Edwards] knows the horse well and takes a good 5lb off.

Graeme McPherson, trainer of Alexander The Grey
I suspect he'll lead until the last and then be placed. He is the most frustrating horse in that he travels beautifully and jumps economically and then doesn't find very much when push comes to shove. Three times this season he's looked like winning at the last and has been beaten on the run in. I expect him to run, jump and travel well, but given he's a 26-race maiden it'd be difficult to say I expect him to win after all that. Nobody would be happier if he won than me as he's had me shouting and screaming this summer; I hope for his and the owner's sake he gets his head in front sooner rather than later.

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Adherence
I think he'll come on for his last run at Worcester. He wants a nice trip - three miles is well within his capabilities - and the more rain they have the better it will be for him. It's his first time over fences, but we are hoping that will bring about some extra improvement.

Christian Williams, trainer of Watching Brief and Joey Steel
They both seem well and should improve for going over fences. Watching Brief ran quite well the other day at Warwick and has improved with every run, so hopefully he can continue to. I think he has the better chance of mine.

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