Kerry Lee hopeful 10lb claimer can help topweight Dancer show his old Magic

Wednesday: 2.50 Leicester
Pertemps Network January Handicap Chase | 2m4f | 5yo+ | RTV

Many of the nine-strong field are going up or down in trip and topweight Magic Dancer leads the way by tackling more than an extended two miles for the first time since April.

The step up in trip is at the suggestion of his regular rider Richard Patrick, who this time makes way for the useful 10lb claimer Daire McConville. They could well prove a winning combination for trainer Kerry Lee, especially back in the 0-125 bracket.

Going the other way in distance is the Tom George-trained Crealion, who did not appear to stay 3m1f at Wincanton last time and may prove more potent back at this trip.

The consistent sort had been placed over this trip at Wincanton (third) and Ludlow (second).

Taking a similar mode of travel is the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained One Forty Seven, who is only a 1lb higher than when winning over a similar trip to this at Stratford in October.

The ten-year-old may well have had excuses when disappointing over further at Cheltenham next time and could be in the mix returning from a break.

At bigger prices, Game Of War appeared an unlucky faller at Wetherby last time and a repeat of his previous third to subsequent Ascot winner Palmers Hill would give him a chance.

What they say

Kerry Lee, trainer of Magic Dancer
Last time he was in this grade he did all right and after his last run his regular rider Richard Patrick suggested going up to two and a half miles. We’re taking off 10lb by using Daire McConville, who has ridden two winners for us already this season.

Olly Williams, trainer of Game Of War
He was undone by a false piece of ground when he came down at Wetherby last time, but he’s a good jumper on the whole and his previous third to Palmers Hill would give him every chance in this grade. It’s nice that they’ve put this race on as otherwise he would have had to run at Ascot.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Kilbrook
He just got home over a stiffer track than this at Carlisle last time and he could be suited by this easier course. We go there hopeful.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Reve
He’ll enjoy the ground if it stays decent, although he could still be in the grip of the handicapper. He only ever wins off a mark of 120 and he’s on 122 at the moment, but I’m sure he’ll run a solid race.

Joe Ponting, trainer of Tiquer
He’s 14 now but is as fresh as the younger horses we have here. It’s difficult to get a handle on horses of his age how he’s going to go, but he should like the ground and won’t be disgraced.

Tom George, trainer of Crealion
He shaped as if he’d get three miles, which we had a go at last time, but he didn’t appear to get the trip, so we’re back at two and a half.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Family Business
He’s only a baby who we got from France, where he won in the provinces. I’d imagine he’ll take his time to adapt to racing here and we see him as a future cross-country horse.

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