The 32 Red Casino Handicap Chase (Saturday 13 January, 2.05) is a Listed Chase run over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 110 yards at Kempton. This will be only the fifth renewal of the race, and the first three renewals were sponsored by William Hill. Despite there being only four previous renewals, it has been won by four very useful horses in Captain Chris, Balder Success, Triolo D’Alene, and Vaniteux.
4-Year-Trends
- Winners have been rated between 150 and 165
- Winners have carried 11-0, 11-5 and 11-10
- Winners have been rated 7, 8, 9 and 10
- Nicky Henderson has trained 2 of the last 4 winners
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from Evens to 8/1
Major Contenders
God’s Own
Capable of some very high-class form on good ground on right-handed tracks but, having been below his best for most of last season, he also disappointed on his seasonal reappearance in October. His stable is in much better form now though, and has run okay on both previous visits to Kempton.
Waiting Patiently
7lb to find with Gods Own and Smad Place on official form, but is unbeaten over fences, even though he is yet to tackle this sort of company. However, he did beat the useful Politologue at Haydock last season, and this 7-year-old could yet take much higher-rank over fences.
Smad Place
Smashing 11-year-old who proved he’s still got plenty of ability by winning a competitive handicap at Aintree in October off a mark of 159. Not so good at Ascot since, but has won at Kempton, though that form was weaker than it looked at the time. Also finished fourth in the 2015 King George here on his only other visit.
Josses Hill
Nicky Henderson’s only runner as he bids for a hat-trick in the race, and he has decent course and distance form of 2/1/1. He has also beaten Gods Own by 8-lengths here in receipt of 7lb, and this looks a good opportunity for him after his decent second to stablemate Top Notch at Taunton last time, where he had last year’s winner Vaniteux behind.
Vaniteux
Two wins and two seconds at Kempton suggests he likes the track, but recent form leaves him with something to find. His 13-length second to Politologue last time suggests he has plenty to find with Waiting Patiently, whilst Josses Hill also finished in front of him at Taunton.
Summary
This looks a nice chance for some old favourites who are just below top-class to pick-up a nice prize, though several form-lines suggest last year’s winner Vaniteux will struggle to double-up. Josses Hill should certainly finish in front of him, whilst Smad Place will also be tough-nut to pass if back on song, a comment that also applies to the unpenalized Gods Own. However, Waiting Patiently is highly-regarded by trainer Malcolm Jefferson and, as his form has received several boosts this season, he is fancied take this step-up in class in his stride.
2018 32Red Casino Chase Tip: Waiting Patiently