The Tommy Whittle is no one-horse race - but this contender is almost too unexposed to be true

It is now 11 years since The Young Master was disqualified from the Badger Beer, only after he had hacked up, because he had not run in enough races over fences to qualify. I still check whenever I spot a horse in a good handicap chase who strikes as being a little too unexposed to be true.

I thought I had one in Grand Geste when looking at the Tommy Whittle earlier this week. Here we have a horse with only two chase runs behind him, running in what must be one of the biggest staying handicap chases that is not in the Pattern. 

It turns out the bar has been lowered, just a little, and Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith have taken advantage. You can run in the Tommy Whittle after two chase runs, as long as you have finished in the first four in both. Grand Geste has sailed over that requirement.

On his chasing debut he finished second to The Jukebox Kid in a warm-looking novice handicap. Next time, he ran at Newcastle on Rehearsal Chase day. He was beaten a nose by Alcedo, with the pair well clear. The unexposed Alcedo finished second in an ITV race last Saturday.

Joel Parkinson: has an unexposed one in Grand GesteCredit: John Grossick Racing

Both of those races were in the neighbourhood of two and a half miles. While Parkinson is seemingly reinventing the Smith yard this season, their stock in trade is still staying chasers and Grand Geste gives every impression he is one. On top of what he has suggested in his two chase runs, his best hurdles form was over three miles. He is also from one of the last crops of Cloudings, a sire synonymous with doughty staying chasers.

The Tommy Whittle is far from a one-horse race. Last year's runner-up Jacks Parrot is back, likewise course specialist and former winner of this race Famous Bridge. My Silver Lining, second in last year's Grand National Trial here, also appeals as the right sort for the race. But I am a sucker for a deft bit of placement, and Grand Geste has much more than that going for him. If his connections' daring is rewarded, it won't end in tears like the Badger Beer all those years ago.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

Bridge back on a good mark

Famous Bridge: competitively weightedCredit: john grossick

Famous Bridge is out to turn back the clock and make a timely return to form in a contest he won two years ago for the Nicky Richards and Sean Quinlan combination. 

The nine-year-old is back down to the same mark of 135 that he won handsomely off that day but is on a retrieval mission after losing his action passing the post in his usual warm-up race at the track last month.

Richards said: “Famous Bridge just got a bit far back jumping the second last down the back that day. We had to use him a bit quick from there to get a position and he got crowded out, if you like.”

He added: “He looks fantastic at the moment and is eating great, so hopefully he can bounce back as he’s been a great horse for us and is not finished yet by the looks of him.”

What they say

Willy Twiston-Davies, joint-trainer of Top Of The Bill
He won very well at Haydock last time. He looks in great form at home, and we know he loves the track.

Anthony Honeyball, trainer of Saladins Son
He ran well at Haydock on his reappearance to be second to Top Of The Bill and has a few pounds pull, so should hopefully be bang there again. The slightly easier ground will also be in his favour.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of My Silver Lining
I could see her not quite getting into the Welsh National hence we’re running here. She’s so fresh and well at home that I could see her running a big race, even though she is dropping back in trip. They haven’t had as much rain as us [in Wiltshire] up there, but the softer the better for her.

My Silver Lining: "the softer the better for her" says Emma LavelleCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Oliver Greenall, joint-trainer of Jacks Parrot
He was second in the race last year so we’ve always wanted to bring him back for another crack. He loves an extended three miles and soft ground around there and he’s come forward nicely from his comeback spin over hurdles.

Pat Fahy, trainer of Brucejack
I thought it was an okay run at Fairyhouse last time. He just seemed to lack a gear on that nice ground. I think his time is coming to win over fences, I’m hoping anyway. I think he’s going to be involved, and hopefully, if he goes well, he will go back in February for the trial race.

Joel Parkinson, joint-trainer of Grand Geste
We think it’s the right time to step him up to three miles over a fence. He’s still unexposed. This track and trip should be perfect for him and we're very much looking forward to it.
Reporting by David Milnes 

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