'He's the ideal horse for it' - can Kapcorse strike again for Paul Nicholls?

Saturday: 1.20 Newbury
Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase (Class 2) | 2m6½f | 4yo+ (0-145) | ITV3/RTV

Perhaps the name most synonymous with the Coral Gold Cup undercard in recent years is dual Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial winner Kapcorse, and bookmakers are giving him more respect than is typically the case.

The early favourite has contested three of the past four runnings and landed two of them at odds of 12-1 and 13-2. It hardly takes Sherlock Holmes to deduce that Kapcorse has been laid out for this lucrative prize once more.

He is lightly raced for his age, although that is primarily due to fragility. We have seen this nine-year-old only three times since February 2019 but it is safe to expect the best version of Kapcorse today. However, will that be good enough?

He must defy a mark 6lb and 9lb higher than for his previous successes and victory would arguably constitute Paul Nicholls' standout training performance of the season so far.

There are several opponents at bigger prices for whom strong cases can be made, and top of the list is Zanza for Philip Hobbs.

A frustrating yet talented chaser, Zanza finished second to Coole Cody in the Racing Post Gold Cup off 11lb higher less than a year ago, and bounced back to form after several disappointments with a solid second at Wetherby this month.

Even more persuasive is Zanza's Newbury record. He has form figures of 1611 here and rates a winner waiting to happen off a mark of 134.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Kapcorse primed for another big run

Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s silks – bequeathed in his will to JP McManus – were worn to victory by Harry Cobden aboard Kapcorse in this memorial race last year and the betting suggests history could repeat itself.

Cobden will don the famous black and yellow colours, synonymous with Chester Cup and Triumph Hurdle winner Attivo and Europe’s champion sprinter Be Friendly.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: “This race suits him well and he loves Newbury. He’s a fragile horse but he’s talented when we get him on the track. JP likes to get one in this race and he’s the ideal horse for it. He breezed around the track with Threeunderthrufive recently, AP [McCoy] rode him and was very happy with him.”

What they say

Christian Williams, trainer of Kitty’s Light and Cap Du Nord
It’s a drop in grade for Kitty’s Light, he likes nice ground and this race slotted into his run pattern. He’s a good stayer but it will be interesting to see how he gets on dropped in trip. Cap Du Nord ran well at Wincanton, where he was slightly hampered and was running out of the weights. He’s in great form and has won this before, so we know he acts on the track.

Demachine: finished fifth in the Ladbrokes Trophy on this card last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kerry Lee, trainer of Demachine
He’s in great form and won well on his first start since a wind op at Uttoxeter in May. He didn’t quite stay in the big race on this card last year but ran well to finish fifth and this is over a shorter trip.

Alan King, trainer of Senior Citizen
We think he’s ready for it. He seems to have had enough of the Grand National fences and Aintree and looked good when schooling in the week.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Killer Kane
He should have a live each-way chance. He needed the run at Exeter, has come on for it and should like this track.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

Saturday's race previews:

1.55 Newbury: can West Balboa keep Walking On Air grounded in this competitive handicap?

2.10 Newcastle: 'I hope it's not a tactical affair' - Constitution Hill ready for Fighting Fifth

2.30 Newbury: is First Street the one? Nicky Henderson bids to enhance Gerry Feilden record

3.05 Newbury: 'He's come on a treat for the run' - key trainer quotes for 2022 Coral Gold Cup

3.25 Newcastle: L'Homme Presse the star turn in Rehearsal - analysis and key quotes

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