Racecards
15:20 Wincanton
Georgie Newall Novices' Chase (Class C)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good to Soft, Good in places
- Form 1545-11
- Age 6
- Weight 11-10
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
held up in touch, headway 8th, challenged going well 4 out, quickend and led on bit next, soon clear, impressive
- Form 5140-12
- Age 6
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey M Foley
chased leader, led before 2nd, ridden 4 out, headed next, 6 lengths 2nd when blundered badly and unseated rider last
Island Sound
50- Form 412P5-U
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer D R C Elsworth
- Jockey S Durack
led to approaching 2nd, stayed prominent, not fluent 4th, ridden 9th, one pace from 4 out, hampered last, no extra flat
- Form 0/3-03
- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer R Hodges
- Jockey Mr R M P McNally
held up in rear, mistake 6th, lost touch 7th, blundered 9th, jumped badly left 3 out, soon pulled up
- Form P-24U12
- Age 5
- Weight 10-13
- Trainer Mrs L Taylor
- Jockey M Bradburne
prominent, ridden after 9th, stayed on same pace from 2 out
In depth
Verdict
Azertyuiop who is 3/1 favourite for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham in March is expected to win this easily on his way to the festival. The gelding from the Paul Nicholls yard is unbeaten over fences and he easily beat Golden Alpha last time. He is a bold jumping front runner and he has conditions in his favour. Got One Too was beaten by Epervier d'Or last time out at Kempton and he looks booked for second again. Monte Cristo was second in a handicap behind Saint Romble last time. This is a step up in grade and he needs to improve significantly to score. The remainder look to be completely outclassed.