Punting pointers: trainers give their view on a competitive BetVictor Handicap

1.50 Cheltenham
BetVictor Handicap Chase | 2m, 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

A Hare Breath bids to build on his fine reappearance record for Ben Pauling after finishing down the field on his final two starts over hurdles last term.

The ten-year-old, the winner of a Listed handicap hurdle at Sandown last December, has finished second, first, fourth and first on his last four first-time out starts and returns to chasing after three runs overs hurdles last season.

"He's in good order," said Pauling. "He is best fresh and if he jumps well he'll be very competitive."

A Hare Breath has had five runs at Cheltenham, including victory in a novice handicap hurdle, a close fourth in the Greatwood Hurdle and seventh behind Altior in the 2017 Racing Post Arkle.

Two in a row for Doitforthevillage?

Doitforthevillage won this 2m contest last year under Paddy Brennan but will now have the services of the in-form Tom O'Brien.

Trainer Paul Henderson thinks his nine-year-old, last seen finishing fourth in the Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree in April, might come on for his first start of the season.

Doitforthevillage: won this race last season for Paul HendersonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"He seems very well at home but I'm just slightly concerned it's his first run and he might just need it," Henderson said.

On whether Doitforthevillage is in the same form as when successful 12 months ago, Henderson added: "That was his third race and this is his first, although we have done a lot with him at home. He seems very well but mine often need their first runs."

Doran to strike for in-form George?

Tom George has started the season in excellent form following victory in the Haldon Gold Cup with stable stalwart God's Own, and the Gloucestershire-based trainer is hoping for a good run from Bun Doran.

The seven-year-old, who runs in the same colours as God's Own, showed his liking for Cheltenham when second to Gino Trail in a handicap chase last December.

"He's had a nice summer and is in good form," said George. "He has run well at the track before."

Trip a test for Tizzard's Turn?

Fresh from a four-timer at Exeter on Wednesday, Colin Tizzard sends a powerful team to Cheltenham's November meeting and saddles Topham Chase runner-up Shanahan's Turn here.

The ten-year-old, eighth of nine in this race last year, finished a respectable third behind the resurgent Charbel at Chepstow last month but has questions to answer at this trip.

Tizzard said: "He is a class act on his day but he's ten-years-old and had a number of little issues last season. However we've had a clear run with him this time around and he seems fine in himself."

What they say

Matt Sheppard, trainer of Rock On Rocky
He was fourth last year and is in excellent form. The ground and conditions should suit.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Movie Legend
He's in very good form and had a wind op in August. He had a nice outing at Fakenham where he won a novice hurdle, it was not a very competitive race but it was a good pipe-opener.

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