The Full Story Behind Bet365 Charlie Hall Steeple Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

The opening

The £56,950 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase promises an intriguing clash of established chasing talent, with much of the attention centred on Pic D'orhy, the former Paul Nicholls stable star now representing Dan Skelton. The eleven-year-old has enjoyed a distinguished career, particularly at Ascot, where his three Grade 1 Ascot Chase victories underline his considerable class. However, his finest performances have generally come around two miles and five furlongs, and while his narrow second in this contest last year demonstrates that he handles Wetherby, three miles on good ground presents a different examination. Age is becoming an increasingly important consideration, and although his recent placed efforts suggest the ability remains, there must be a question over whether he retains the finishing power that made him such a formidable force. Skelton will undoubtedly have him prepared, but at this stage of his career, reputation alone may not be enough.

The case

There is also a fascinating subplot involving Paul Nicholls, who now finds himself attempting to defeat his former stable favourite. Nicholls saddles both Twinjets and Hitman, with Harry Cobden taking the ride on the former, and that partnership could prove significant. One suspects Nicholls would take particular satisfaction from winning this prestigious contest against a horse formerly under his care, although sentiment alone will not win a Grade 2. Twinjets arrives having finished his previous campaign with a victory, and at nine years old he may have more improvement to offer than some of his older rivals. His proven ability over three miles makes him an attractive proposition, particularly if Cobden can establish a comfortable rhythm. Hitman possesses ability but has become difficult to trust, while Handstands, the seven-year-old representing Ben Pauling, has youth on his side but needs to rediscover his best form. Riskintheground deserves respect following his Perth Gold Cup success and subsequent Summer Cup placing, although his latest effort at Ffos Las leaves him with something to prove at this level.

The horse who could provide the sternest opposition is The Real Whacker, whose return to winning form at Perth in September was particularly encouraging. Carrying twelve stone over three miles on good ground, he made the running and continued to find more when challenged, demonstrating the stamina and determination required for this contest. Brian Hughes retains the partnership, and the ten-year-old arrives with the advantage of a recent competitive outing. His disappointing fifth in last year's Charlie Hall cannot be ignored, but his latest performance suggests he is in considerably better heart. The prospect of a strongly contested pace adds another dimension, with Twinjets and The Real Whacker both capable of racing prominently. Pic D'orhy remains the class benchmark, but with questions surrounding his age and optimum distance, this could be an opportunity for the opposition to expose vulnerabilities in the favourite.

The verdict

The Nicholls factor makes TWINJETS an appealing selection to land the Charlie Hall Chase. With Harry Cobden aboard, a winning finish to his previous campaign and proven three-mile credentials, he looks capable of delivering a performance that could give his trainer particular satisfaction against his former stable star. THE REAL WHACKER is the main danger, arriving race-fit following an authoritative Perth success over the same distance on good ground. Pic D'orhy commands enormous respect for his achievements, particularly at Ascot, but eleven years of age and a demanding three-mile examination make him a favourite worth opposing. Twinjets is the selection to win, with The Real Whacker taken to chase him home.