Flying Verse on song to follow up Stratford success for David Dennis

3.55 Wincanton
Trethowans Solicitors Handicap Chase | 3m1f | 4yo+ 0-125 | RTV

Why is it interesting?

As is often the case at this time of year punters have to choose between a number of race-fit runners and several progressive stayers who lack an outing this term.

Flying Verse is unpenalised for his recent Stratford success, and a reproduction of that performance arguably makes him the one to beat under Charlie Todd, who takes a valuable 7lb off his back.

The Jeremy Scott-trained Keltus is nicely treated on some of his old form for Paul Nicholls, while both Forgot To Ask and Stockburn are young stayers with more to offer.

Keep an eye on I See You Well, who looks just the type to win a long-distance chase or two at the southern tracks this winter.

What do the stats say?

Charlie Longsdon landed this decent prize with Aunty Ann 12 months ago. He is represented by course winner Wilberdragon this time.

Five other contestants also boast victories at the Somerset track, namely Barbrook Star, Bramble Brook, Sporting Boy, River Of Intrigue and Bertie Boru.

Barbrook Star benefited from the fitting of cheekpieces when taking his field apart in March, and his return to action in the same headgear might be a good time to catch him.

What do the trainers say?

Seamus Mullins, trainer of I See You Well
It’s his first run of the season but he’s fit and well. I’d give him an each-way chance. He’s the type I’m hoping will make up into a respectable staying chaser – I think there’s a lot of improvement in him with age. There could be a big day in him at some stage, and we’ll be thinking about the regional Nationals – the Southern National at Fontwell, for instance – for him this season.

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Keltus
He ran very well at Wincanton last time. He’s well handicapped, likes the track, and the ground will be fine for him. I hope he runs a nice race.

Johnny Farrelly, trainer of Sporting Boy
He’s in really good form after running well at Sedgefield over hurdles last time. Brian [Hughes] was delighted with him that day. He has race-fitness on his side, and Leighton [Aspell] has won on him round Wincanton before.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Wilberdragon
He’ll love the ground and is back over fences at a track where he has won before. I give him a small each-way chance in what looks a competitive race.

John O’Shea, trainer of River Of Intrigue
He’s not run for a while but likes the track and I expect him to go very well.

David Dennis, trainer of Flying Verse
It’s a nice prize. He has gone up 5lb for his win at Stratford which is acceptable, but goes to Wincanton without a penalty as it was a conditional jockeys’ race. He’s a bit of a law unto himself, but if he turns up in the same form as at Stratford he’ll run well.

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