Racecards
15:00 Fontwell Park
Crown Racing 'New Year' Handicap Chase (Class E)
- 8 Runners
- Distance: 3m 2f 110y
- Going: Heavy
- Form 112P-2P
- Age 9
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer C J Mann
- Jockey N D Fehily
in touch, losing place when brought down 7th
- Form 1P-425P
- Age 8
- Weight 11-8
close up, driven along from 3 out, chased winner flat, stayed on but always held
- Form 53-P6R1
- Age 9
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer T R George
- Jockey J M Maguire
tracked leader, led 9th, headed last, weakened quickly flat
- Form PF1U-24
- Age 8
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
always in rear, reluctant to race after 8th, paled off when pulled up after 3 out
- Form 213216
- Age 9
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer C L Tizzard
- Jockey J Tizzard
in touch until outpaced and beaten 4 out
- Form 1-42220
- Age 9
- Weight 10-10
- Trainer M Usher
- Jockey A Honeyball
held up in rear, headway to track leaders 4 out, chased leader next, challenged 2 out, led last, kept on well under pressure flat ( no official time recorded)
- Form P61-346
- Age 7
- Weight 10-6
- Trainer B G Powell
- Jockey Mr C Studd
led 4th to 9th, weakened 4 out
In depth
Verdict
The Colin Tizzard stable have a good record at this course and Just Ruben is fancied to expand on the statistics today at the main expense of Pharaway Citizen, Flinders and Jolly Giant. The Charlie Mann-trained Nativetrial is also much better than he showed last time and is worth monitoring for signs of support if the heavens open and this looks like turning this into a real test of stamina. However, Just Ruben loves this course and his trainer has always believed that he is more suited to a trip of three miles-plus. The gelding also has the ability to switch off in his races, which Joe Tizzard can employ to good effect in drawing the sting out of his rivals on the final circuit.