The 32 Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Saturday 6 January, 3.00) is the final of a series of chases for veteran horses aged 10 or older. The series is a fantastic initiative by the BHB that gives veteran chasers a chance to win a first-prize of £61,900, and the series was introduced into the calendar in the 2015/16 season. The race is run over a distance of 3 Miles and 37 Yards.
32 Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase 2018, 2-Year-Trends
- The 2 previous winners have been aged 11 and 13
- The winners have carried 11-9 and 10-1
- The winners have been rated 145 and 124
- The winners have been sent-off at 7/1 and 20/1
- The two winning trainers are David Pipe and Charlie Longsdon
- The two winning jockeys are Tom Scudamore and Aidan Coleman
32 Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase 2018 Odds
32 Red Veterans’ Main Contenders
Gas Line Boy
Beaten over 6-lengths into fourth last year off a 4lb lower-mark, but has been in excellent form since. That form includes a fourth in the Betfred Grand National Trial, a fifth in the Grand National, and a win over the National Fences last time. Stable not in quite as good-form as at the time of that win, but could still go well.
Benbens
Has run well on all three previous starts at Sandown, including when fifth in the 2016 renewal of this race off a 5lb higher-mark. Has since been fourth in the Ladbrokes Gold Cup off a 3lb lower-mark, and won over 3½ miles here off that mark last-time. May need further than 3-miles to be seen at his best, but could stay-on late for a place.
Perfect Candidate
Won well at Cheltenham last time, when he had Benbens well-behind in fourth, however he does tend to reserve his best performances for Cheltenham. Not raced at Sandown previously though, but still a tough-looking ask off top-weight, as he too may also prefer a slightly longer trip to be seen at his best.
Double Ross
Was a well-backed favourite for a qualifier for this race in November but unseated his rider, and has since been pulled-up in the Ladbrokes Trophy. This is a drop-in-class compared to his last run, and the handicapper has increased his chances of winning by dropping him to a mark 3lb below his last winning mark.
Pete The Feat
Last year’s winner off a mark of 124, and has since won again over course and distance off 127. He’s up another 3lb for that but, if Perfect Candidate runs, he’ll get in perfectly at the foot-of-the-weights with 10-stone. Stable had a couple of winners over the Christmas Period.
Third Intention
Has run some excellent races at Sandown against high-class opposition, and was a good second over course and distance last time. However, the heavy ground may put too much emphasis on stamina this time.
Houblon Des Obeaux
Didn’t seem to stay 3½ miles last time here at Sandown, but had previously had Pete The Feat a long way behind when winning over 3-miles here. Only 1lb worse off with that rival this time, and has a major chance.
Our 32 Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase 2018 Betting Tip & Preview
This is shaping-up to be the best renewal of this chase in its short history, and there are plenty of veterans who have been given a chance by the handicapper on their best form. The one that appeals most though is Houblon Des Obeaux who, looks to have been aimed at this race after two runs here this season, and is rated 19lb lower than when at his peak.
Tip: Houblon Des Obeaux @