Sinbad Testimonial 2010/2011 Chase

1.45 Cheltenham
Sinbad Testimonial 2010/2011 Chase (Class 2) (5YO plus)
Winner £31,310

Pick: Forpadydeplasterer (win)

Chaininbar: Had a good season last year, with a wide margin win at the Grand National Festival (15 lengths) and also a win at Newbury (both valuable events): Disappointed at times too, and has followed that this season with good second on return followed by failing to Complete in the Haldon Gold Cup; This is a tough event for him to run well in.

Tataniano: Won three out of four last season over fences, his three wins coming by an aggregate of 51 lengths (one was a success in corresponding Novice event on this yard last year) ; Became one of favourites for the Champion Chase when romping home with Maghull Chase by 13 lengths; Goes well fresh so no reason he can’t take all the beating.

Oiseau De Nuit: Was third in the Celebration Chase last backed end and ran a great race first time out this season but more needed than what he gave last time, although the yard are in really decent form.

Forpadydeplasterer: Finest hour came in the 2009 Arkle winner over C&D and has since been second on every single race he’s started, all of them in Grade one company; That stat may not inspire confidence in him but he’s done nothing wrong on any of those runs and serious chance again today.

Gauvain: Went off the boil after winning a Grade 2 Novice Chase 2 years ago, falling to make an impact at Cheltenham and Aintree festival; Won his next 2 starts before being put on side-lines and has switched yards and lost headgear; Interesting runner.

Mahogany Blaze: Thoroughly capable horse on his day who has been placed in very good races (including this last season when second behind Well Chief) but has jumping frailties and this looks too much.

Oh Crick: Made waves last season in handicap ranks as a novice chaser and did a double at Aintree and Cheltenham festivals; Ran some good races in face of very stiff tasks last year, but has 12 lengths to find with Forpadydeplasterer from the Champion Chase.

VERDICT: A fascinating clash between the second best established 2 mile chaser and one of last season’s leading novices. FORAPDYDEPLASTERER has finished second 6 times since taking the Arkle here in 2009, but none of these have been due to problems with his jumping or finish efforts and it would be disappointing if he was beaten receiving 5lbs from Tataniano, who is the only other one with serious Champion Chase hopes. It’ll be interesting to see how Gauvain does off a long break.