Blame The Game bids to give Chris Gordon back-to-back Sussex Nationals

BetGoodwin Sussex National Handicap Chase | 3m4f | 5yo+ | Sky

This is a typically competitive running of a race which was landed by Tuesday’s Welsh Grand National hero The Two Amigos in 2019.

Pemberley (second), I See You Well (sixth), Abaya Du Mathan (fell), D’Jango (fell) and Blame The Game (pulled up) all contested the Sussex National 12 months ago.

Six-time Plumpton scorer I See You Well has a mountain to climb, in theory at least, to turn the tables on Pemberley as he meets Emma Lavelle’s charge on 4lb worse terms.

Pemberley, who found Go Whatever seven lengths too strong last year, made an eyecatching reappearance when second to Tallow For Coal at Lingfield in November and looks to have been meticulously laid out to go one better this year.

Blame The Game can race off a 5lb lower mark than last January, even though he has won four of his last five races.

All those victories came on good ground but he did win on soft terrain over hurdles at the beginning of his career.

D’Jango, one of four runners for David Pipe, attracted plenty of support for this race in 2022 when getting no further than the fifth fence and is 4lb lower this time.

He won twice at Worcester during the summer and this pounding galloper might not prove the big outsider the early prices would suggest.

Favori De Sivola, who has always looked the type for marathons, stayed on strongly to win over 3m6½f at Exeter last time and a 5lb rise seems fair.

He made all that day and, despite the prospect of very testing conditions, it’s highly likely there will be a good gallop in this race.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

David Pipe, trainer of Sidi Ismael, Red Happy, D'Jango and Abaya Du Mathan
The blinkers lit up Sidi Ismael a bit too much last time and we're looking forward to him back over fences. Red Happy should have a chance on his best form if he gets into a nice rhythm. He ran a good race in the Coral Gold Cup. D'Jango and Abaya Du Mathan have a bit to do on their recent form.

Neil King, trainer of Nearly Perfect
He looked progressive two years ago. He's been off the track for a long time but we know he loves marathon trips on testing ground.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Grace A Vous Enki
The race should suit him nicely. He's got loads of stamina and likes a bit of cut in the ground. He wasn't suited by going right-handed on his last start over fences at Ludlow, so put a line through that. On some of his Auteuil form, he should be a player in an open race.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Pemberley
He's not the fastest, so he's well suited by these types of races. He's straightforward and the ground isn't an issue. He was second in the race last year and I was pleased with his run at Lingfield last time.

Chris Gordon, trainer of Blame The Game
He's been smashing for us. I just wish the rain would stay away. If it was good ground I'd be looking forward to it. I'm concerned he might not quite stay the trip on testing ground, but we'll soon find out.
Reporting by Jonathan Harding

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