The Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Saturday 20 January) is a Limited Handicap Chase that is run over 3 Miles 1 Furlong and 125 yards at Haydock. First run in 1981, it has been won by Cheltenham Gold Cup winners such as Little Owl, Bregawn, The Thinker and Jodami, as well as Grand National winner Earth Summit. Last year’s winner Bristol De Mai won this season’s Betfair Chase back at the track in November.
10-Year-Trends
- Winners have been aged 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12
- Winners have been rated between 129 and 154
- Winners have carried between 9-13 and 11-10
- Only 2 favourites have won
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 9/4 to 33/1
- Danny Cook has ridden 2 of the last 6 winners
Main Contenders
Rock The Kasbah
Was reportedly being aimed at the Welsh National, which is no surprise given how well he runs at Chepstow, but was withdrawn because of the heavy ground. He’s also won his only previous race at Haydock, be that over hurdles, however there must be a doubt regarding his participation if the ground remains heavy.
Hainan
Won 2 of his 7 starts over fences, and was especially impressive last time over further on heavy ground here at Haydock. The third Emperor’s Choice also boosted the form next time. Trainer Sue Smith has trained three previous winners, and likely to have had this race on his agenda for a while.
Tintern Theatre
Doesn’t look the most natural of chasers, but that didn’t stop him winning at Kempton last time. This may prove more of a test of stamina, but trainer has won the race twice before, including last year.
Captain Redbeard
Has an excellent course record having finished 3/1/2/1 in 4 runs at Haydock, the last of which was a convincing win on heavy ground over 3-miles. That run suggested he may enjoy this further step-up in trip, and could easily go well.
Vieux Lion Rouge
2 out of 2 over fences at Haydock, the second of which was the Betfred Grand National Trial last season. Ran well to be sixth in the Grand National after that, but struggled in two races this season. Probably being aimed at another go at the Grand National, so wouldn’t be a surprise if he doesn’t show his best form until after the Grand National weights are framed in February.
Yala Enki
Front-runner who looks tailor-made for Haydock, and won his only previous start over fences here by 8-lengths under similar conditions. He also ran well on his other two starts in valuable handicap hurdles, and has suggested his turn may not be faraway in three runs this season.
Summary
There are plenty of trainers who have won the race before who have potentially interesting runners, including Sue Smith with Hainan and Nigel Twiston-Davis with Tintern Theatre. However, this can hopefully go to another previous winning trainer in Venetia Williams – with Yala Enki likely to have his ideal conditions.
2018 Peter Marsh Handicap Tip: Yala Enki