The Classic Chase (Saturday 13 January, 3.35) is a Grade 1 Chase that was first run in 2004. It is run over 3 miles 5 furlongs and 54 yards at Warwick, and horses have 22 fences to jump. It is a recognised trial for the Grand National, though only the 2017 winner One For Arthur has gone on to success at Aintree.
12-Year-Trends
- 9 of the 12 winners have been rated between 127 and 140
- Winners have been aged 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, with four aged 9
- 8 of the 12 winners carried 10-12 or less
- Only 1 favourite has won
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 9/2 to 20/1
- Paul Nicholls has trained 3 of the 12 winners
- Alan King has trained 2 of the 12 winners
Main Contenders
Creswell Breeze
8-year-old who won off a mark of 130 two starts ago, and looked like she might have followed-up off a mark of 137 at Sandown last time but for a blunder two fences from home. She still plugged on to be third though, and has every chance with her trainer Anthony Honeyball continuing in excellent form.
Missed Approach
Has run some good races in defeat over fences, including when second in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, eighth in the Scottish Grand National, and sixth in the Ladbrokes Trophy. This looks a drop-in-class for him, and he has every chance with not many potential improvers in the field.
Sir Mangan
10-year-old who has made steady improvement in 7 runs for trainer Dan Skelton, and his second to the improving Beer Goggle over hurdles was followed by a win at Bangor over fences. He also remains completely unexposed over this trip, but won well when tackling a two-furlong shorter trip for his previous trainer. The Skelton Stable is also close to Warwick racecourse, so he won’t have to travel far.
Krackatoa King
Trainer Kerry Lee loves targeting these long-distance races and, having won the 2016 edition, she looks to have found another decent candidate. Very consistent of late having finished first or second in his last four starts and, though this is a big step-up in class, but he should get to carry a nice low-weight, something the 10-year-old hasn’t had many chances to do.
Cogry
Dual course-winning 9-year-old who was pulled-up over hurdles on this card 12-months ago. However, despite also being pulled-up in the Ladbrokes Trophy when last seen, he put up some decent performances over fences in 2017. Chance with stable amongst the winners.
Goodtoknow
Good second here last year for trainer Kerry Lee, after which he went on to win at Hereford before finishing 13th in the Grand National. Not run to his best in two starts so far this season, but came good after Christmas in 2016 and 2017. Could go well, but a few pounds higher in the handicap than last year.
Summary
With only one winning favourite in 12-years, the Classic Chase has never been an easy handicap to solve, though the SP’s of 6 of the 12 winners have been returned in single-figures. The horse that catches the eye from the top of the market this year is Sir Mangan, as his second over hurdles to Beer Goggles was well-advertised when the winner beat some useful hurdlers next time. His local trainer also looks to have saved him for this since he won his last race over fences, and he could find further improvement for the step-up in trip.
2018 Betfred Classic Chase Tip: Sir Mangan