A weak Rowland Meyrick? Don't believe it, there is plenty to learn

2.05 Wetherby
William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase | Grade 3 | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Given that five of the last six Rowland Meyrick winners were aged seven and the other was Lake View Lad, it might be expected that this renewal, which contains just one horse so young, is a weak one. That may be the case, but there is more to be learned about the field than that initial impression might suggest.

Canelo is the junior of them and the most obviously progressive. He was already looking in command when left clear at Aintree in November and shaped like a stayer when second at Newbury on Ladbrokes Trophy Day.

Read a selection of our Boxing Day tipping . . .

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Snow Leopardess is still a novice and only just qualifies for this race, having run only three times over fences. On her last run she nabbed Commodore close home at Haydock, and that horse was going to run creditably off 6lb higher in this grade at Cheltenham next time before unseating at the last.

Admittedly, plenty is known about Spiritofthegames, Beau Bay, The Dutchman, Guitar Pete and Wandrin Star. The last two worthy of deeper discussion are Springtown Lake and Windsor Avenue.

Both are stronger contenders on form than early prices would imply, but in both cases it is assumed they are regarded as dubious stayers. That can certainly be understood in Windsor Avenue's case - not directly because of his only previous attempt at three miles (after which he scoped dirty) but more because he shows plenty of speed.

Springtown Lake has taken a long time to hone his jumping technique, but it would count as passable now and this is the first time since that he will run over a staying trip. He shows plenty of zest in his races, so the need to fit cheekpieces is not immediately obvious, but three miles should be within his compass.

The National course, where he ran last time, was never likely to suit Springtown Lake. A flat, left-handed track should – he won by 20 lengths at Warwick in February – and there are no obvious excuses for this talented sort not delivering here.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Spiritofthegames
He usually goes to Cheltenham every meeting and gets placed in all the top races, so we thought we'd give him a change of scene. We think the step up to three miles will suit him and he has an each-way chance.

Tristan Davidson, trainer of The Dutchman
He got a bit lonely in front at Haydock last time and got done late. He'll like the ground and the track but it looks a tough race.

Alan King, trainer of Canelo
He won well at Aintree and then finished a good second to Cap Du Nord at Newbury, staying on well. Stepping him up to three miles should suit him, but he has an alternative engagement at Kempton on Sunday, so we’ll have to see.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Wandrin Star
He's in the big league tackling a Grade 3 but he ran very well first time back from wind surgery at Ascot last month and hopefully can take a hand.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Springtown Lake
He's in very good form after his run over the National fences. It's his first time at three miles for a while and we're hoping It might suit him.

Richard Newland, trainer of Beau Bay
He posted a fabulous win in the Grand Sefton at Aintree last time, when all he did was stay, so we've decided to step him up in trip. It's a bit of a leap into the unknown but he likes Wetherby so we're hopeful.

Nicky Richards, trainer of Guitar Pete
He's in grand form with himself and ran a nice comeback race when second at the track last month. He's stepping up to three miles but shapes as if he'll get the trip, although we wouldn't want too much rain between now and Saturday if he's to take his chance.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Snow Leopardess
She's in off a nice racing weight and we've given her plenty of time since she won at Haydock last time. It's a tougher race but she should stay well as we were a bit concerned about stepping her up to this trip that day but she finished off well.

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2.25 Kempton: 'It will take something remarkable for Epatante to get beat in Christmas Hurdle'

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