The 2019 32Red Casino Chase (Saturday 12 January) will be the third renewal of this Listed Chase which is run at Kempton over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 110 yards. However, there were also three previous renewals that were sponsored by William Hill.
The 2018 renewal was won by Waiting Patiently, and Ruth Jefferson’s exciting seven-year-old may try and defend his title if the ground is deemed safe enough for him. Meanwhile, other high-profile winners include Balder Success and Captain Chris.
32Red Casino Chase 2019 Trends
- All winners have been aged between six and 10
- All winners have rated between 150 and 165
- Weights ranging from 11-0 to 11-10 have been carried to victory
- Nicky Henderson is the only trainer to have trained two winners
- Four of the five winners were favourites
- Winning SP’s have ranged from even-money to 8/1
32Red Casino Chase Main Contenders
Charbel
Kim Bailey’s seven-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season so far, with a second to Politologue at Ascot sandwiched between a handicap win at Chepstow and a grade 2 win in the Peterborough Chase. He seems to have really appreciated the step-up to trips of around 2½ miles in his recent starts and he looks sure to go close, especially if allowed an easy lead.
Top Notch
This seven-year-old has posted some excellent efforts at around this distance over fences. However, he was beaten over 20-lengths by Waiting Patiently the last time they met. He warmed up over 3 miles over hurdles on his seasonal debut and has a chance for Nicky Henderson, who has trained two previous winners of this race.
Waiting Patiently
The 2018 winner would probably be favourite on the day if allowed to take his chance, but connections have voiced their concerns about the good ground. If he does take his chance, he’s officially rated 170, meaning he has 8lbs and upwards in hand of his rivals. Having already beaten Top Notch, he also has the beating of Charbel on collateral form with Politologue.
Mister Whittaker
Improving handicapper who has won four of his last six starts and gone up from a mark of 118 to his current mark of 152 in the process. He could only finish fourth last time at Cheltenham though, and it’s worrying that his only other defeat in his last six starts came over course and distance off a mark of just 125.
Black Corton
Previous winner of the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton, but his best form has all been over longer distances, meaning he may find one or two of his rivals have too much speed for him at the business end.
32Red Casino Chase 2019 Summary
At the early prices, it may be worth taking a chance that Waiting Patiently lines up. He was second-favourite for the King George before being brought down and, if he does line up, he will surely be a much shorter price. If Waiting Patiently does sidestep the race, the in-form Charbel could be the one to take advantage.
32Red Casino Chase 2019 Tip
Waiting Patiently