'We think he's in great shape' - which chaser has his trainer purring?

Sunday: 2.20 Cheltenham
Jewson Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | 5yo+ | 3m3f 71y | ITV4/RTV

The first couple of renewals after this race moved to the Sunday seemed to catch people by surprise as it was poorly subscribed and attended mostly by veterans. This year hints at a return to the glory days, although there has been some help from the gods.

Two of the market principals, second-season chasers Does He Know and Fantastikas, have been rerouted from other intended reappearances. Fantastikas and Does He Know were due to race at Sandown last week but it was rained off, while the latter was also a luckless faller at the first at Kelso three weeks ago.

Tim Vaughan: trains Eva's OskarCredit: David Dew

Eva's Oskar could be bound for the Coral Welsh Grand National if this goes well, with a clear round being perhaps the biggest barrier to that. He is race-fit from Does He Know's Kelso contest, in which he tired into sixth.

One who might be expected to come back to form, if his jumping holds up, is The Mighty Don. He came off a prep run at Chepstow to finish second to Yala Enki in this race last year and often saves his best for Cheltenham. He has run over fences here four times and they include the first, third and fourth best of his chasing career. For him, if not many others, this may be his main engagement of the season.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Kim Bailey, trainer of Does He Know
It's a bit of desperation really as he should have run at Sandown last weekend. This was not on our agenda but we're short of races for him and we need to get him back on track. Carrying top weight is not ideal but if he finishes in the first three I'll be absolutely thrilled.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Mighty Thunder
It's his first run back after a break but he'll love the trip. He's in great form at home. Two seasons ago he did remarkably well and won a Scottish National, we aimed him at the Grand National last year and it didn't quite work out. We're looking for a solid run.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Fantastikas
I hope he's got a very good chance.

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Eva's Oskar
He did very well last year and was progressive. We went to Kelso for a very competitive race and Alan [Johns, jockey] said he'd come on a ton for the run mentally and physically. We think we've got him in great shape, and the trip and the track should be right up his street. His course form is very good, but the drying ground would be against us. He does seem to benefit from softer ground as it slows everyone else down.

Martin Keighley: runs Back On The LashCredit: Edward Whitaker

Martin Keighley, trainer of Back On The Lash
This wasn't the original plan, we wanted to go for the cross-country chase he won last year, but luckily this should suit him. He stays very well and he loves Cheltenham. I'd hope he'd run a good race and we'll go for the cross-country race at the next meeting in December.

Sean Curran, trainer of Domaine De L'Isle
Chasing's his game but we'd be more hopeful than confident. He needs to put in a competitive run and he hasn't done that for a little while.

David Dennis, trainer of Indy Five
He seems in good form and has come on a bit for his run at Aintree last time. Three-miles-three should suit him, he's performed well over an extended three miles before, and if they got any rain it'd be a bonus.

James Nash, trainer of Forza Milan
I think he'll love the trip as all he does is jump and gallop, but he'd definitely prefer softer ground than it looks like we're going to have. He raced a little lazily last time at Aintree and we're hoping the cheekpieces will make things a bit easier for Gavin [Brouder, rider].

Nick Gifford, trainer of The Mighty Don
He loves good ground and he loves Cheltenham. He wants a trip now, we're probably punching above our weight but he's 10lb better around Cheltenham than anywhere else. Realistically, we're probably hoping to nick a place.

Tom George, trainer of Forgot To Ask
It's a competitive race but we've been looking to step him back up in trip and this seemed the time to do it.
Reporting by Stuart Riley

Sunday's previews:

1.45 Cheltenham: Nube Negra faces just two rivals in Shloer Chase repeat bid

1.55 Navan: Flooring Porter v Bob Olinger: analysis and insight for a huge Lismullen clash

2.30 Navan: Townend 'worried' by Ferny Hollow's lack of chasing experience on Fortria return

2.55 Cheltenham: 'He couldn't be in a better place' - top trainers on their Greatwood chances

3.30 Cheltenham: Nicky Henderson newcomer bids to emulate Altior in Supreme Trial

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