Amlin 1965 Chase Ascot 24.11.12

[Sprinter]

Finian's Rainbow starts in this if I am reading Mr Henderson's tour right ?

Surprised there are so many willing to take him on.

Mad Max is the latest horse to have his name thrown into the ring for the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot on November 24. The giant 10-year-old finished fourth behind the impressive winner For Non Stop on his return to action in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree.

That was only his second race for Neil Mulholland having joined from Nicky Henderson, for whom he won a Grade Two novice chase at Aintree and finished third in the Victor Chandler Case at Ascot in 2011.

Classy types like Captain Chris and Champion Court are also heading for the Ascot race.

"He was a bit free and keen early on and that might have take its toll at Aintree," said Wiltshire-based Mulholland.

"I think he'll probably go for the Amlin Chase at Ascot, that might suit him.

"He's not quick enough for the good two-milers, while he might not stay three miles.

"I think the two-five trip is what we'll be looking at.

[Old Vic]

http://www.fatjockey.com/festivals/racing_festivals.php?Ascot-Amlin-1965-Chase-Trends-118

[Sefton]

1 - Finian's Rainbow (IRE) 225 21-1211C1 9 11-11 Barry Geraghty Nicky Henderson
2 - For Non Stop (IRE) 28 22213-1 7 11-7 - Noel Fehily Nick Williams
3 - Ghizao (GER) 19 52-468-1 8 11-7 - Daryl Jacob Paul Nicholls
4 - Quincy Des Pictons (FR) 256 3P1117 8 11-5 - Nick Scholfield Alan Jones
5 - Captain Chris (IRE) 254 1-1U3P4 8 11-1 t Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs

[postmanpat]

Ascot also raced Friday and the ground was soft after more significant rain. The Grade 2 Amlin Chase has attracted Nicky Henderson's Finian's Rainbow, the Champion Chase winner will have to give weight away to his rivals, but there are only four of them.

This race is over 2 miles 3 furlongs, but he signed his season off with a win in the 2m4f Melling Chase at Aintree and he is a leading contender for the 3 mile King George on Boxing Day so the trip won't be a problem. He's the class act in this, but I don't think he's a certainty by any means as Captain Chris (the horse who beat him in the 2011 Arkle) and For Non Stop are worthy opponents.

Things didn't pan out for the Philip Hobbs trained Captain Chris after that festival win, but he showed he still retains plenty of ability and is a horse I've always liked. I'm just edging towards For Non Stop in this though, as he has the benefit of a run under his belt this season and his trainer Nick Williams is having a few winners at the moment.

He scooted up in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October and seems to improve with every year. He was third in the Jewson at the festival in March and providing the ground doesn't get really testing it may be worth taking a chance on him at the prices.

[Old Vic]

Man on The Spot

14.10 Ascot Amlin 1965 Chase

A select but high-class renewal. Quincy Des Pictons appears outclassed but the other four are all of interest although all have delivered their best form on ground far quicker than the forecast conditions. Ghizao has clearly benefited from a breathing operation in the summer but this is far tougher than the race he easily landed on his Kempton reappearance. Captain Chris receives weight from his prime rivals and has every chance if delivering his best. However, the Hobbs yard are struggling for winners at present and he has become something of an enigmatic performer in recent runs. For Non Stop was massively impressive when blitzing his rivals in the Old Roan Chase but he only receives 4lb from the 2012 Champion Chase winner, FINIAN'S RAINBOW. Nicky Henderson's charge is a wonderfully uncomplicated sort who always runs his race at the top level and followed up his Champion Chase success when easily landing the 2m4f Melling Chase at Aintree. This first run might be the time to take him on but he undoubtedly sets a demanding standard for his rivals to meet and gets the vote.

[mayo]

Anyone think Finian's might not relish the ground ? It is a lot of weight to give to the Hobbs horse.

[Statto]

Even more stats from andy newton

Ascot (C4/ATR)

2.10 – Amlin 1965 Chase Grade 2 (CLASS 1) (4yo+) CH4 2m3f

9/9 – Aged 8 or younger Finians is 9
7/9 – Returned 7/1 or shorter in the betting
7/9 – Finished in the top 4 last time out
7/9 – Winning distance – 3 ½ lengths or less
7/9 – Had between 1-4 previous chase wins
6/9 – Won by a French-bred horse
6/9 – Went onto run at the Cheltenham Festival that season
6/9 – Favourites placed
6/9 – Had won over this trip (fences) before
6/9 – Had raced within the last 5 weeks
4/9 – Aged 5 years-old
4/9 – Ran at Aintree (2) or Cheltenham (2) last time out
4/9 – Won last time out
4/9 – Winning favourites (2 joint)
4/9 – Won by Paul Nicholls
2/9 – Won by Alan King
2/9 – Won by Nicky Henderson
1/9 – Went onto win at the Cheltenham Festival that season (Albertas Run, RyanAir Chase 2009)
The average winning SP in the last 9 years is 6/1

[Hoof]

Anyone think Finian's might not relish the ground ? It is a lot of weight to give to the Hobbs horse.

Spot on Mayo. Hope you followed your instinct.