Punting pointers as Guitar Pete and Born Survivor renew rivalry at Wetherby

3.05 Wetherby
bet365 Handicap Chase (Listed Race) | 2m3½f, 4yo+ | RTV

Guitar Pete, who has been an ultra-consistent performer in some of the top handicap chases, returns from injury on the opening day of the Charlie Hall meeting with an old rival lying in wait.

The Nicky Richards-trained nine-year-old took this race in 2017 before beating King George winner Clan Des Obeaux in the following month's Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Last year he finished a three-and-a-quarter length second to Born Survivor, who is back for a rematch off a 13lb higher mark.

Guitar Pete will make his first start since last December and Richards is glad to have him back.

"He had an accident in the field and had a slight problem but he's ready to roll," said the trainer. "He might need it a little bit but he's been great for us and we're hoping he can go on and have a good winter. We'll probably step him up to three miles at some stage."

Skelton targets more success with Survivor

Dan Skelton will be hoping to continue his excellent record at Wetherby after taking Born Survivor out of his intended return in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last Sunday.

The trainer has a 31 per cent strike-rate (35-114) at the West Yorkshire course in the last five seasons.

"He didn't run at Aintree as the ground was too soft and providing there's not too much rain, he'll have a real each-way chance," said Skelton. "He's had a soft palate operation and we're happy with him."

After scoring in this last year from Guitar Pete – when the reopposing Cracking Find was in third – Born Survivor finished fourth in a Grade 3 at Cheltenham before winning a Listed race at Ayr by seven lengths on his most recent start in April.

What the other connections say

Kerry Lee, trainer of Happy Diva
She's won at the track before and this looks a good option for her return. She's entered in the BetVictor Gold Cup and if everything goes to plan, she will head there after this.

Richard Newland, trainer of Catamaran Du Seuil
It looks like a tough race but he's in good form and ready for his first run of the season. He likes Wetherby and was a good winner there last year. He's gone up a few pounds but the likely slower ground will probably help him.

Sue Smith, trainer of Cracking Find
He's come out of his reappearance there really well and goes into the race in very good form. It looks a good contest and we don't want too much rain for him.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app