Is Warwick the key form line? Analysis and quotes for a competitive mares' chase

Friday: 1.50 Cheltenham
CF Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Mares' Handicap Chase | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | RTV/ITV4

Since the 1999-2000 jumps season, Venetia Williams has recorded her most profitable month annually in December or January 14 times (seven times apiece) in 21 years. When the ground worsens, the Herefordshire-based trainer thrives.

However, Williams seems to have her string further forward this season and achieved her second-best November strike-rate (6-28, 21 per cent) in her career despite a warmer and drier month than usual.

Fontaine Collonges was one of her six November winners, courtesy of a hard-fought victory over Precious Eleanor at Warwick, and the pair renew their rivalry in this competitive handicap chase.

The stiff jumping test at Warwick seemed to favour both mares, although a rare mistake from Fontaine Collonges leaving the back straight almost cost her the race (Precious Eleanor traded at 1-4 in running). Her stamina pulled her through.

A 4lb swing in the weights could be the deciding factor between the pair this time and Precious Eleanor, whose trainer Henry Daly sent out last season's runner-up Black Tulip, could be the value play.

It is also worth noting that Williams' record with chasers at Cheltenham (36-387, nine per cent strike-rate) makes for grim reading. At tracks where she has run 100 or more chasers, only her Aintree statistics are worse.

Two others worthy of attention are Timeless Beauty, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at Lingfield on her chase debut, and the Colin Tizzard-trained Rose Of Arcadia.

The latter embarks on her career over fences after a promising hurdling campaign that saw her win at Wincanton and finish fifth in the Grade 2 EBF novice mares' hurdle at Newbury. She was far too keen on her reappearance and a first-time hood should help her race efficiently.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Vienna Court
She ran really well last time at Bangor and she's back in handicaps now. She's up in trip and two and a half miles suits her, so she should have a nice chance.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Fontaine Collonges
We've been pleased with what she's done so far. This is a step up for her again and hopefully she'll handle the fences. A few showers of rain wouldn't go amiss.

Henry Daly, trainer of Precious Eleanor
She ran well when second last time and there will be a 4lb difference between her and the winner [Fontaine Collonges]. The ground, trip and track should be fine.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Rose Of Arcadia
It's her first time over fences, although she won a point-to-point, but she's been schooling a lot all season. We were going to go chasing straight away but she can be buzzy, so we gave her a spin over hurdles and hopefully that's knocked the buzziness out of her. I thought she was going to win two out but she stopped and that's probably because she was a bit fresh and used too much petrol to start with. Hopefully she'll strip fitter and that would give her a chance.

David Bridgwater, trainer of Dame Du Soir
I expect her to perform well. She’s come out of her last race at Fontwell fine and I don’t have any concerns about the ground or the course.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Timeless Beauty
She won nicely first time out for us, so I was delighted with that. There was one point in the race where she hit a flat spot but she came through and won quite well. She's off a nice mark and this looks a good race for her. A bit more rain might help but it is what it is and we'll take our chance.
Reporting by Arvin Chadee

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