Racecards
14:30 Cheltenham
Ian Williams Owners Novices' Chase (Class C)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 3m 110y
- Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
Il Capitano
13- Form 131111
- Age 5
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
tracked winner, disputed lead 3rd to approaching 11th, every chance when slipped badly landing 3 out, no chance after, held on well for 2nd close home
- Form 61-2111
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey A P McCoy
jumped well throughout, made all, left well clear 3 out, canter
- Form P-5P234
- Age 8
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Dr P Pritchard
- Jockey M Bradburne
in touch, niggled along 14th, struggling from next, tailed off from 4 out
- Form P/20-P42
- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Dr P Pritchard
- Jockey Miss P Gundry
in touch, struggling approaching 4 out, kept on flat
In depth
Verdict
Paul Nicholls' Il Capitano, a winner of seven of his last eight races, and Jonjo O'Neill's Mighty Montefalco, a winner of his last three, catch the eye here. A worry about the latter is that he has suffered from sore shins so quick ground is not ideal for him. Il Capitano reached a rating of 122 over the smaller obstacles, and O'Neill's runner 120. Russell House is bred for this game and should strip fitter for his debut run over fences. Mister Bigtime is interesting in that, although still a novice, has run well in handicap company. His 231-day break possibly counts against him but, if fit, has to be respected. Overall, then, the progressive Il Capitano is taken as the TEAMtalk selection.