Keith Melrose suggests considering 9-1 shot in top quality handicap chase

Saturday: 2.20 Cheltenham
888Sport What's Your Thinking Handicap Chase | 3m1f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

We are used to Cheltenham being the destination rather than part of the journey but the Showcase meeting is often an exception and this race is certainly one for many of the runners.

The last two winners – The Conditional and Frodon – have both gone onto big-race success before the year was out. However, they are the minority and the expectation is that Cloth Cap will benefit from this run.

Look at horses for whom this might be more like the big day and Storm Control gravitates towards the front of the picture. He won a weak Grade 3 here off this mark in December and has not done much wrong in creeping back down the weights.

While he is a worthy favourite, plenty of those just behind him in the market fit more into the Cloth Cap category.

Interesting sorts would include Minella Bobo and Jersey Bean, another prominent racer with relatively recent course form who admittedly tends to improve for his first run of the autumn. Both were just finding their stride when last seen in the spring.

The bookies have started early with the generous place terms, five were on offer in this 14-runner race by Thursday evening. With some misgivings about those prominent in the betting, a look down the odds with a view to backing one each-way is viable.

Consider The Hollow Ginge, whose fine record when fresh was enhanced by a fourth-placed finish behind Cloth Cap on his effective reappearance in last year's Ladbrokes Trophy. He is 7lb lower now but shaped with some promise in the Welsh National, Classic Chase and Scottish National on his three subsequent starts.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

'This should be ideal for Minella Bobo'

While this race centres around the seasonal return of tried-and-tested handicap chasers, Rebecca Curtis has high hopes that Minella Bobo can perhaps establish himself as a force in the better races throughout the season.

Curtis won this race in 2018 and her eight-year-old runner heads here off the back of a dominant victory at Ffos Las in May. He was hiked 12lb by the handicapper but his trainer is hopeful the best is yet to come.

She said: "He ran really well at Ffos Las last time. I think he just seems to be getting the hang of things now, he's a big, weak horse. He's had a good summer and goes there in great form.

Rebecca Curtis: believes Minella Bobo has plenty in his favourCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It'll be interesting to see how he takes to a track like Cheltenham but he always travels well. He likes a bit of good ground and stays well, so it should be ideal."

One who is tried and tested around Cheltenham is Storm Control – a winner here in November and December last season and back on the same mark of that latter win. Whether he will take his chance is not guaranteed.

Trainer Kerry Lee said: "It's a wide-open race and a hot contest but he's as fit and well as I can get him.

"This looks a good target and he has won on good going before but I'll be walking the track just to make sure I'm happy with the ground. He's two from three from Cheltenham so we're looking forward to it."

What they say

Sean Curran, trainer of Domaine De L'Isle
It's a tough race, especially with Cloth Cap in there. He seems in good order and has schooled well at home. The ground should be fine for him.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of The Hollow Ginge
He is in really good form and we're really happy with him, it's the softer the better for him. He's got some decent form so we're looking forward to it.

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Jersey Bean
He did us proud last season. He knows the track and while he starts on a career-high mark over fences and will come on for the run I'm sure he'll be competitive. Good ground is ideal for him.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Definite Plan
He's been consistent without getting his head in front. This looks a competitive race but he goes over there in good form and could run well.

Iain Jardine, trainer of Cool Mix
He ran a great race to finish fifth in the Scottish National. He's bouncing and kicking and ready for a run – he goes well fresh. The ground will suit, and I expect him to run a big race.
Reporting by James Stevens

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