The Unibet Handicap Chase (Saturday 5 January) is one of the supporting races on a card known as the Unibet Tolworth Hurdle Day. It is run over 1 mile 7 furlongs and 119 yards and past winners include Speredek and Garde La Victoire. Here our
Unibet Handicap Chase 2019 Trends
- The four previous winners have been rated 134, 147, 154, and 135
- Winners have been aged 7 (two) 8, and 10
- Winners have been rated between 134 and 154
- Winners have carried between 10-7 and 11-12
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 10/11 to 15/2
Unibet Handicap Chase 2019 Main Contenders
Gino Trail
Has run well on both his previous starts at Sandown, including when second to Speredek last year, a horse that went on to be rated much higher. He then went one better next time before being placed at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. Hard to know if he will be in the same form on his seasonal debut but, with his stable often bursting into life at this time of year, he could outclass this opposition.
Capeland
Not currently one of the leading lights in the Paul Nicholls Stable but this six-year-old is progressing having won three of his last four chases. This looks a big step-up in class though and he probably needs to find further improvement to record his fourth win of the season.
Copain De Classe
Very disappointing in the spring but bounced back on his seasonal debut with a 10-lengths defeat of the useful Casablanca Mix. However, he was helped there by his main rival’s late mistake. Should at least be suited by a return to two miles after not staying 2½ miles last time.
Tara Bridge
Seemingly found plenty of improvement this season with two wins, one over course and distance, and he was favourite last time back at Sandown when falling at the first fence. This is a big step up in class though and he’s much higher in the ratings than for his last win.
Theinval
Unlucky sort of horse that has been placed several times at the big spring festivals. That included last season when he finished two places behind Gino Trail at Cheltenham but one place in front of Gino Trail at Aintree. However, he’s much worse off at the weights with Gino Trail here and hasn’t run well on three previous visits to Sandown.
Unibet Handicap Chase Summary
There doesn’t look to be much strength in depth in this handicap, with the likes of Tara Bridge, Capeland, and Copain De Classe all used to racing at a lower-level. Meantime, though Theinval has raced in some top handicaps, his poor course form is a negative.
Therefore, it could be worth siding with top-weight Gino Trail who has good course and distance form. He also likes to front run and could lead this lot a merry dance if fit enough to do himself justice on his seasonal debut.
Unibet Handicap Chase Betting Tip & Prediction
Gino Trail