Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase 2011

1.45 Cheltenham

Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £20,787

Advice: 1 pt win Mon Parrain (9/4 Hills, Blue Sq)

Mon Parrain: Left huge impression on first two UK runs last season, unextended to win on debut at Sandown by 22 lengths before coming second in the Topham, having marvelled with near perfect round of jumping beforehand; Sent off favourite for Paddy Power Gold Cup based on that but disappointing there and never seen with a real chance; Step up in trip meant to help according to trainer and might be worth one more chance.

Knockara Beau: Hard to find a more consistent horse over hurdles and chase form isn’t that bad either (5lbs below last chase mark); Should be fitter for his recent tune up and interesting enough here with a small field sure to play to his strengths (can lead).

Fair Along: Much loved stalwart who was second best in bid for hat trick of John Smith’s Hurdles at Wetherby and seemed to be exposed when sixth in similar event here at Open meeting; One to beat on Hennessy third but ran through a lot of beaten horses and might not be too reliable, especially without tongue tie; Good enough if putting best foot forward.

Shakalakaboomboom: Worry that he has looked ill at ease here but improving, as was shown when beating improving handicapper at Punchestown Festival; Good enough to take a hand but poor record here and might need the run.

Swincombe Rock: Didn’t build on the solid start he made when winning at Perth and Huntingdon last autumn, but back to some sort of form when runner up over three miles at Chepstow; Didn’t suggest he’d be up to winning this when well held in the Paddy Power.

Mostly Bob: Still promising based on the big impression he made when slamming field at Doncaster before falling in Racing Post Chase; Badly in need of the run when fifth on return at Haydock and not without a chance if getting near to best.

VERDICT: An intriguing race, with all of the runners having something to prove on one count or another. It might pay to give MON PARRAIN another chance with a run in the Paddy Power – albeit a disappointing one – behind him, based on the promise he showed last season. Fair Along has the most convincing run this season behind him but he might prove tricky to deliver these days without beaten horses to run through, and the absence of a tongue tie could prove vital in that aspect. Shakalaboomboom has a poor course record here, while Mostly Bob could prove interesting if back to his best.