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16:40 Cheltenham
Wednesday 12 March 2025
All13:2014:0014:4015:2016:0016:4017:20
Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- 5YO plus | Class 1 | 1m 7f 199y | Good to Soft | 20 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 16:42 | Winning time: 3m 59.51s
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Won a Grade 2 at Lingfield as a novice last season and made a winning return on the back of wind surgery in the Haldon Cup at Exeter. Ran well behind Jonbon in the Tingle Creek next time but not quite so good in Game Spirit at Newbury. Remains of interest back in a handicap.
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Has a good record in handicap chases in Britain, winning the Red Rum at Aintree 2 years ago and scoring over this C&D (off 1 lb lower) last term. Can go well fresh so must be respected after 3 decent runs early in the season.
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Useful on the Flat and smart over hurdles but seems best in this sphere, hitting the crossbar yet again in a valuable handicap when second at Leopardstown last month, exaggerated waiting tactics almost paying off. Another big run expected (C&D winner as a novice).
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Second in the Champion Bumper 3 years ago and winner of a Grade 2 chase (3m) at Navan as a novice last season. Flopped in the Brown Advisory 12 months ago but back to form down in distance last 2 starts. Not sure this trip is his optimum but likely strong pace will at least suit.
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Better than ever at present and followed up his win in Carlisle graduation event with 2m1f handicap success (narrowly) at Kelso. Seemed undone by 5 lb rise at Doncaster since, however. so likely to find this too competitive.
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Developed into a smart handicap chaser, bringing up the 5-timer with plenty to spare at Ascot (16.7f) in November. Has gradually gone off the boil since, however, and this a tough race to bounce back in.
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Sound jumper who enjoyed his finest hour when winning this race on heavy going 12 months ago (off 6 lb lower). This season's efforts suggest he's been building up to another tilt at this, so another bold bid looks on the cards (effective on better ground).
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Resumed winning ways at Newbury in November and arrives on the back of an excellent second at Doncaster 7 weeks ago (might've won had he been held onto for longer). This race should be run to suit so not taken lightly.
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Quickly made up into a better chaser than hurdler last season, successful on his first 3 starts over fences. Added to his tally with 2 more wins this term but something to prove now having not seen since a lethargic effort at Kelso in October.
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Frustrating customer who's been expensive to follow, including at this meeting. Mixed record kept over hurdles this season and not seen in this sphere since falling 4 out (still going strongly) in December Gold Cup here last term. Will no doubt have his ers once again.
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In the process of running poorly when falling in this race last season but has been in top form this term, producing a career best to win Grade 3 handicap at Fairyhouse under this rider 60 days ago. Likely to make a better fist of it this time around.
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Progressed into a useful chaser last term, winning twice and runner-up in a good-quality handicap at the Ayr Scottish Grand National meeting. Improvement has stalled this season but latest third at Musselburgh was creditable (seemed suited by more patient tactics). Could outrun his odds.
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Sole success over fences came in listed handicap at Killarney (by 8 lengths from Dancing On My Own) in July. Mixed record since then and fall at Leopardstown last month not an ideal preparation for this (usually a sound jumper).
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Failed to win over fences last season but made a winning return following a wind op in 5-runner handicap at Carlisle. More than backed that up when second in C&D Grade 2 but disappointed back in a handicap at Ascot since. Others appeal more.
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Won the Fred Winter at this meeting in 2023. Similar form over fences, winning twice early in the season. Just denied in a messy 4-runner C&D novice in October and shaped well back over hurdles next time. Interesting contender making handicap debut in this sphere with headgear re-fitted.
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Looked better than ever returning from 11 months off when winning Navan handicap in December. Unlucky not to finish closer when excellent third behind The King of Prs in Grade 3 handicap at Fairyhouse and easy to forgive next run (reportedly coughing post-race). Respected.
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A smart chaser at his best for Dan Skelton and has good record here. ed present connections for £190,000 but well below form all 3 starts this season after 19 months off. However, is potentially well handicapped if this has been the target (fourth in this 2 years ago off 15 lb higher).
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Useful hurdler. Low-key start over fences this season but came good when narrow winner of 9-runner novice at Down Royal in January. Opening mark in this sphere demands more but remains unexposed as a chaser.
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Fairly useful over hurdles but has quickly developed into a better chaser, winning first 2 starts in the autumn. Latest effort probably best forgiven and remains with potential making handicap debut in this sphere.
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Bookended his novice campaign over hurdles with victories at Ayr and perfect start in this sphere when scoring at Wetherby on return. Needed a match race to resume winning ways at Kelso last month but in fairness did it faultlessly. Will find this a totally different test, however.
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Forecasts
Unexpected Party (11/2), Primoz (6/1), My Mate Mozzie (13/2), Jazzy Matty (15/2), JPR One (8/1), General Medrano (10/1), So Scottish (12/1), American Mike (14/1), Conyers Hill (18/1), The King Of Prs (18/1), Dancing On My Own (18/1), Traprain Law (20/1), Jasko Des Dames (22/1), Western Zephyr (22/1), Midnight It Is (25/1), Third Time Lucki (28/1), Fringill Dike (33/1), Nells Son (33/1), Martator (50/1), Gaelic Arc (100/1)
Plenty to consider in what is a typically intriguing renewal. UNEXPECTED PARTY was a decisive winner of this last season so still looks on a good mark off 6 lb higher. This has likely been his long-term target once again, shaping as if he retains all his ability in 4 runs this campaign. Gavin Cromwell holds a strong hand with 3 live chances, My Mate Mozzie looking the pick, while Jpr One's Tingle Creek form puts him right in the mix off top weight.
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Unexpected Party11/2
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My Mate Mozzie13/2
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JPR One8/1
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £84,405.002nd: £31,800.003rd: £15,915.004th: £7,950.005th: £3,990.006th: £1,995.007th: £990.008th: £510.00
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