Dangers abound to well-handicapped Cyclop in Somerset National

3.50 Wincanton
Somerset National Handicap Chase | 3m2½f | 5yo+ | RTV

The Somerset National, over an extended 3m2f at the sharp Wincanton, can be regarded as one of the least testing regional 'Nationals'.

However, with the ground already reported as heavy on Wednesday with another 15mm possible before racing, and rail movements taking the distance beyond 3m3f, that may not be the case this year.

If anything, that would suit pivotal runner Cyclop. According to Racing Post Ratings, this ten-year-old has produced two of his four best runs at marathon trips, largely on soft ground. That does not include his 2017 Lincolnshire National success (3m3½f), nor his career-best win in veterans' company at Plumpton eight days ago.

Cyclop doesn't carry a penalty for that win, which was achieved in a race for conditional jockeys, and is thus 10lb well-in. He has moved to Matt Sheppard in the meantime, but has gone there with former trainer David Dennis who has moved his horses from Tom Symonds.

Another Venture (left): one of four last-time-out winners in the Somerset NationalCredit: Alan Crowhurst

There are plenty of other in-form sorts in the race, including last-time-out winners Nearly Perfect (this course), Another Venture and Gleno. All have been reassessed and are stepping up in class, but have demonstrable credentials so are fully entitled to play a hand in the finish.

Those wishing to look further down the market have their attention drawn to One Of Us and, especially, Dieu Vivant. The latter was running in hunters this time last year but looks well capable of holding his own in handicaps and caught the eye at Bangor last month.

Having been sent off at 33-1, he traded at odds-on before landing steeply at the last and losing two places – but only a couple of lengths – up the run-in. He is a real danger if the wind surgery he has undergone since has had the desired effect.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

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What they say

Kim Bailey, trainer of Another Venture
He won impressively last time at Ludlow and seems in a good place now. I hope he can run well again. I've always enjoyed running charity syndicates over the years and this one, which is in support of Maggie’s Cancer, has been one of my most successful.

Kayley Woollacott, trainer of The Kings Writ
Kempton probably found him out last time, it was plenty sharp enough and they went quick. He’s going back to a track he’s performed well at and the tongue-tie is back on, but he’s plenty high enough in the handicap these days.

Neil King, trainer of Nearly Perfect
He's got a good strike-rate around Wincanton as he's been twice and won twice. I was very tempted to go to Warwick for the Classic Chase last weekend but I just feel he’s a horse who is big and has taken time, so I didn’t want to go one step too far with him. He loves it soft.

Christian Williams, trainer of Limited Reserve
I’m not 100 per cent convinced he’s taken to fences but we’ll probably stick with it until the end of the season. I thought we’d take a chance in this race, Potters Corner fell in this at the second-last a few years ago, so we’ve got unfinished business and hopefully we can put it right.

Gary Moore, trainer of Gleno
It’s a big jump up in class and my slight concern is the ground – it could be pretty testing. He’s in great heart, whether he’s up to this class or not, time will tell.
Reporting by Matt Butler

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