Trappy chase on quick ground sets a poser but Thelongwayaround's mark may appeal

Wednesday: 1.45 Wetherby
Sixt Car Hire Handicap Chase | 3m | 4yo+ | RTV

It is a bit surprising this 3m chase has attracted as many as eight runners given the quick ground, and punters will be hoping there aren't any late withdrawals with three places on offer.

The only piece of successful form this season comes courtesy of Boughtbeforelunch, who generally finds winning difficult but has finished second or third on 15 of his 28 starts. Good ground is crucial for this eight-year-old and he is sure to perform better than at Cheltenham last month.

Summer-like conditions will also help Cheque En Blanc and Thelongwayaround, who have recorded two successes on good ground. The latter underwent a wind operation over the summer and is attractively treated off a mark of 100 if his jumping holds up.

Gary Moore: Cheque En Blanc's trainerCredit: Edward Whitaker

The market is likely to be headed by Oscar Robertson, whose two wins have come with give underfoot but has achieved some of his top Racing Post Ratings on good ground. The scopey seven-year-old ran in a much better race at Newbury this month and will appreciate the ease in class.

Archie Brown is heading the other way up the ladder after bolting up in a 0-105 handicap chase at Market Rasen on his last start in February. First-time cheekpieces were the catalyst to an improved effort that day, though it has to be a worry that he returns to a left-handed track here.

The field is completed by Grange Ranger and Victory Echo, who may not appreciate the ground, and Da Vinci Hand, who has yet to fire in five starts since moving from France.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Tom George, trainer of Oscar Robertson
We were pleased with his comeback run and we hope that he can improve over three miles this season as he was a bit weak last year.

Paul Webber, trainer of Boughtbeforelunch
Gina Andrews looked after him on his first run of the season at Cheltenham and pulled him up before tackling the hill – he’s come on for that. It may be a bit sharp for him around Wetherby these days but he’ll enjoy the ground.

Gary Moore, trainer of Cheque En Blanc
He’s ready to start off his season and we expect him to run well, but I won’t be sending any of mine up there if firm appears in the going description.

Jo Foster, trainer of Da Vinci Hand
He would prefer a shorter trip but he’ll like the ground and he has a squeak in a tough race.

Henry Hogarth, trainer of Archie Brown
We were going to run him at Leicester the other day but they called their chases off and ideally he likes going right-handed. He's had a while off and is ready to start back.
Reporting by David Milnes

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