Amlin 1965 Chase 2011

2.10 Ascot

Amlin 1965 Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £28,475

Advice: 2 pts win Masterminded (6/4 Victor Chandler)

Masterminded: Had begun to gain his doubters after spellbinding displays for last two seasons when a poor fourth in 2010 Champion Chase, but seemingly back to best in run up to last year’s festival; Pitching in there when making race – ending mistake in Champion Chase but as good as he’s ever been when cantering all over high quality field in Melling Chase here, beating Albertas Run by 9 easy lengths; Well beaten on return at Aintree but should be fitter here for race he won with ease last year, despite it being a tough test.

Medermit: Took his time to get hang of chasing last year but did so impressively when winning Scilly Isles Novice Chase; Didn’t live up to that at big spring festivals but good attitude shown when winning the Haldon Gold Cup (likely winner Captain Chris unseated but doesn’t reappear here) and contender on that form as he should improve plenty for the run.

Somserby: Turned useful novice chasing form into solid efforts at the top level last season, pushing Masterminded all the way in Victor Chandler Chase here before solid efforts in Champion and Melling Chases; Probably had an easy task when taking on Hennessy favourite with an easy lead at Kempton but still respected as this task ideal.

Stagecoach Pearl: Contained progression shown in handicaps last season when taking advantage of what might have been an easy handicap mark in hindsight on seasonal debut at Kelso, with a presumably unfit Kalahari King well behind; Seemed a step below the top level in novice company last year.

 

Kalahari King: Still able to go some when seen at his best but that happened only once last year, when second in the Ryanair Chase (form which has him well behind Masterminded and Somersby); Should improve for the seasonal debut and can go well but others preffered.

The Sawyer: Loveable veteran who still showed plenty of ability when second in Listed handicap here last season on soft ground; This lot should be too quick for him.

VERDICT: A strong renewal with the top three in the betting looking to have this between them unless Kalahari King finds his very best form. MASTERMINDED was extremely disappointing at Aintree on his comeback but he should improve a lot for it and it’s not hard to think he can come on for the run greatly and put up a better performance at a track which suits him. Somsersby and Medermit should both give him a good race.