Seconds out: old rivals Cogry and Singlefarmpayment square up again

BetVictor Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | New | 3m2f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Not all rematches go the same way as the original contest – ask Andy Ruiz Jr, who was comprehensively outpointed by Anthony Joshua second time around last weekend.

However, Nigel Twiston-Davies is full of hope Cogry will get the verdict again on Friday, 12 months after coming out on top in a terrific battle with Singlefarmpayment up the run-in here.

The winner races off the same mark, unchanged from when he finished third on the Old course here in October, and his trainer said: "Let's hope he can do it again.

"He ran a superb race first time back when we thought he might need it a little bit and I hope he'll improve for that run. We've kept him fresh for this since then."

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies added: "I'm very hopeful, he seems in good form, fresh and well. He's very honest and always runs his race."

Singlefarmpayment was headed only in the final strides last year and is 6lb better off with the winner, having been dropped 2lb after his reappearance fourth at Haydock.

"He's come on for his first run of the season and I hope things fall his way," said trainer Tom George.

"He's back on a track he likes, the New course suits him better than the Old course as it's fresher ground."

Tizzard aiming for third win in four years

Colin Tizzard has been the trainer to beat in this race of late, winning it with Theatre Guide in 2016 and Robinsfirth 12 months later.

He gave the others a chance by not having a runner last year but is represented this time with West Approach, who won well on the Old course here in November and was sent off favourite for the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, only to unseat Robbie Power at the seventh fence.

"He's got cracking form around there this season," said Tizzard's son and assistant Joe.

"He didn't have a hard race in the Ladbrokes Trophy because he'd only gone about a mile when he unshipped Robbie.

"He seems in good form at home and he's back at a track where he performs well. He'll handle the ground fine."

Mulholland hoping for Star to shine again

Neil Mulholland can be forgiven for thinking he is due a bit of luck with the reappearing Impulsive Star, after having a big staying chase taken away from him on Saturday.

He trains Doing Fine, who passed the post first in the controversial London National at Sandown only for the race to be declared void after jockeys failed to stop at a yellow flag.

Impulsive Star was pulled up in the Scottish Grand National on his latest appearance and Mulholland said: "The drop down in trip should help him.

"He's in good form and ready to run. He hit his stride around this time last season so hopefully he can bring that form to the table. The ground is fine but he wouldn't want too much rain."

What they say

Dan Skelton, Cobra De Mai
He won round this track in the spring but he wants better ground than there is at the moment. You've got to get out there and run these horses but he's not in form.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Dandy Dan
He's in good form but this is a big step up for him, going to Cheltenham is rather different to Kelso and other places he's been running at. But he's done everything right so far over fences and the trip and ground should be perfect so I hope it will continue.

David Pipe, trainer of What A Moment
He has been disappointing so we've put the blinkers on. He has no weight but this is a tough ask.

Harry Fry, Onefortheroadtom
He was fourth in a similar race at Cheltenham in October and the form has worked out well, with the winner finishing second in a Grade 3 next time. He's still a maiden over fences and snuck in at the bottom of the weights but he takes his chance.

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