Matchbook ‘Best Value Exchange’ Handicap Chase Betting Tips

The Matchbook ‘Best Value Exchange’ Handicap Chase is a class 3 race run over 3 miles and 37 yards at Sandown on a card that also features the EBF Final, the Imperial Cup, and a Listed Mares Races.

It is open to horses aged five and older but often attracts a variety of veterans, with winners including Pete The Feat who won at the remarkable age of 15.

Matchbook ‘Best Value Exchange’ Handicap Chase Four-Year-Trends

Winners have been aged 10, 12, 14, and 15
Winners have been rated between 122 and 133
Weights carried to victory vary from 11-2 to 11-12
SP’s have ranged from 10/3 to 9/1
No trainer or jockey has won more than once

Matchbook ‘Best Value Exchange’ Handicap Chase 2019 Main Contenders

Strong Pursuit

Achieved a rating of 139 over hurdles and looked sure to make an even better chaser when winning on his debut over fences at Newbury in November 2017. Absent after that until finishing third in February of this year, when he was going well until tiring late on over a similar trip. He was entitled to need that run and could outclass these if returning to his best. Despite that, at nine, he’s not as old as or as experienced as previous winners.

Achille

Another nine-year-old and this one is trained by the 2016 winning trainer Venetia Williams. He also beat Strong Pursuit over course and distance last time, but the handicapper has burdened him with a lot more weight this time and that may be enough to stop him.

Ami Debois

Achieved a rating of 141 as a novice chaser but nearly notched his first handicap win off a mark of 132 last time over course and distance. He was just foiled by a neck that day by a horse that was gambled as if defeat was out of the question and is yet another nine-year-old that’s entitled to go well.

Salmanazar

Has some ground to make up with Achille and Strong Pursuit having finished fourth behind them last time out but a case can be made for him. That’s because he usually runs his best races after about a month off the track and usually hits peak form at around this time of year. He’s also an 11-year-old.

Horatio Hornblower

Another eleven-year-old that catches the eye as he was just touched off in last year’s renewal by Pete The Feat. He certainly appears to be being targeted at the race as last year’s jockey Sam Twiston-Davies is already booked to ride him again. He’s also dropped a few pounds in the weights since last year which can only help.

Matchbook ‘Best Value Exchange’ Handicap Chase Summary

This may prove to be a classier renewal than recent ones and Strong Pursuit could prove a class above most of his opposition now he’s had a run. However, for whatever reason, this race has favoured older horses so far and it could be worth backing both Salmanazar and Horatio Hornblower each-way at big prices.