victorchandler.com Handicap Chase

3.30 Ascot 

victorchandler.com Handicap Chase (Class 2)  (5YO plus) 
Winner £43,834 - 11 run - Draw Advantage: None

Picks: Breedzbreeze (win) & Piraya (each/way)


Breedzbrezze: Very high class novice over fences a couple of seasons ago, winning Grade 2 at Wincanton and Feltham with ease; Subsequently injured but back with great run when second to Tartak (form boosted) last time and should have excellent chance. 

Mahogany Blaze: Thoroughly capable horse on his day who has been placed in very good races and ran near his best when third behind Tartak and Carole's Legacy last time; A repeat of that gives him every chance. 

Panjo Bere: Last win came off 147 in handicap company here, and ran well in the face of a stiff task latest here; Not out if it although trip doesn't encourage. 

Edgebriar: howed a good attitude when winning in very similar contest on seasonal debut and this looks easier than the Paddy Power Gold Cup; Can get involved. 

Piraya: Although tricky to win with, has probably matched his last winning form twice in defeat this season already; Makes each/way appeal off mark that's not too harsh here. 

The Sawyer: Bold front-runner who has won two renewals of similar contest run at Cheltenham and 6 out of his eight wins are in January; Does seem to have lose his spark with age. 

Tatenen: Lost his way (formerly smart chaser for Paul Nicholls) although he showed promise for Richard Rowe on his first start at Kempton; Can't be relied on to produce that form again. 

Pickamus: Won three out of his four starts last season, making up into a very useful chaser; Hasn’t done nearly as well this year, and looks vulnerable off this mark in this company. 

Minella Theatre: Seemed back on track and nearly as good as ever over fences when landing Stratford handicap chase on return in October; Has run badly since and hard to recommend with stable in such patchy form. 

Soulard: Front runner who likes it here and may have needed his October run; Should improve but this a much harder race.

I'm A Legend: Has been in superb form of late and upped his game again when finding only a well-treated and useful rival too good last time; Can go well getting 7lbs and upwards from all contenders here.


VERDICT: If avoiding the bounce factor the first place to turn is BREEDZBREEZE in a very open handicap following his excellent return in the Peterborough Chase. Mahogany Blaze and I'm A Legend can also run big races but PIRAYA might be one for the places.