Analysis and trainer quotes for a wide-open handicap chase

2.25 WetherbyWatch The Jumps In HD On RacingTV Handicap Chase | 1m7f | 4yo+ | RTV

The hope that this particular handicap, over the shortest distance available in Britain, would be well run rested on topweight Billingsley but he has been declared a non-runner by trainer Alastair Ralph.

The question is who among the remaining runners will cope with the trip. Smarty Wild looks a sure thing to win handicaps over fences off 130, but the evidence of recent starts would have suggested a step up in trip from nearly 2m3f at Ascot, rather than down to 1m7f.

The other qualifier there is So Easy Way. His opening British mark of 135 looked high on what he achieved in France, but his inability to get involved in a race over course and distance six weeks ago appeared to owe more to a lack of fitness after nearly a year off – although it is worth noting that he has had wind surgery since. Trip suitability is less set in his case, but he has a fairly stout pedigree for a French-bred.

Otherwise interest may focus on Some Reign and Ballyvic Boru, who met here last time. In-running players may well be surprised that the former meets the latter on 2lb better terms, given he traded at 1-25 before falling at the last. Personal interpretation is that, while those odds overstate things, Some Reign looked clearly the likeliest winner.

Also worthy of respect is Joke Dancer. He jumps right but seemed a little straighter on his reappearance, which came in a Listed handicap here. Stable habits suggest he will be sharper for the run.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Smarty Wild
He finished third on his debut over fences at Ascot last month when we thought he ran well. He's a big, strong horse who should improve as a chaser this season. Two and a half miles may be his optimum trip.

Rose Dobbin, trainer of Some Reign
He was unlucky when falling at the last last time and I think he'd have won that day if he'd stood up. He's none the worse for that. I hope he continues to behave himself as he's been tricky in the past.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Ballyvic Boru
He won well at Wetherby last time but is 4lb higher here and I just hope he can continue to progress.

Harry Whittington, trainer of So Easy Way
We've had his wind done since his first start for us at this track last month when he was a bit disappointing. He may have also needed the run that day after a long layoff but should have scope for improvement as he's only a four-year-old.

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