Two chasing a hat-trick in marathon test at idiosyncratic track

2.20 Fakenham
Testerton Handicap Chase | 3m5f | 4yo+ | Sky

Even over 3m5f there is a distinct advantage to holding a prominent early position at Fakenham. So much time spent on the turn increases the tariff on making up ground from off the pace.

It so happens that those towards the head of the market in this race are the most likely pace-setters. Both Speedy Cargo (the likeliest to make the running) and Strictlyadancer are chasing hat-tricks.

Unusually for a modest long-distance handicap chase half of the field won their most recent start and a further two finished second. Telson Barley was runner-up to Strictlyadancer at Exeter last time, which was the winner's first run at three miles over fences.

While Strictlyadancer's stamina for a marathon is not certain, he has demonstrated that he can handle this idiosyncratic track. He won over 2m5f here in January, after which he changed owners but has stayed with trainer Christian Williams.

While there is nowhere quite like Fakenham, the underlying combination of a sharp track and tricky jumping test can be found elsewhere and the likes of Speedy Cargo and Cheque En Blanc have winning form at Plumpton and Fontwell, which have many of the same characteristics.

The last three winners of a 3m4½f race at Plumpton in mid-November are represented. Cheque En Blanc won the race in 2018 and 2019, while The Happy Chappy beat two rivals in this season's contest a fortnight ago.

There has been a difference of opinion among handicappers, with The Happy Chappy's BHA mark rising by just 3lb, while RPRs gave him much more credit. Apart from the 33-length margin of victory, the main case for a positive view is his old form – he has won off 19lb higher than his new mark.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Christian Williams, trainer of Strictlyadancer and Uno Mas
Strictlyadancer impressed us last time as we thought he'd improve for the run, so he surprised us by winning. We like to support the track and we thought it was worth chancing him up in trip, and he's won twice round here before. Uno Mas has been a bit disappointing over fences but we think the track and trip will suit, we're hoping he's improved this year. The ground will be perfect for both.

Christian Williams: trainer of Strictlyadancer and Uno MasCredit: Edward Whitaker

Graeme McPherson, trainer of Telson Barley
He should love the trip and the ground. He ran pretty well at Fakenham in the spring and I'd like to think he has a good chance. Given the way the weights have gone we're hopeful we can overturn the form with Strictlyadancer.

Stuart Coltherd, trainer of Achill Road Boy
He ran well at Fakenham in this type of race last May when he fell at the last. He's back over fences again after a few runs over hurdles, but that shouldn't pose any problems. He's still quite flexible and is in good health and form at home.

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Speedy Cargo
He's won his last two and seems to be going the right way. He'll like the ground and, although he's never run over this trip before, I'd be surprised if he didn't stay. He should be in with a chance and seems to be progressing nicely so fingers crossed he can bring up the hat-trick.
Reporting by Sam Hendry

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