1. BORN SURVIVOR
Trainer: Dan Skelton
His record when running after a break of 100+ days is: 121114; that record was blotted by his 4th last season on ground that would’ve been on the soft side for him, where he was running off top weight in a race where subsequent BetVictor Gold Cup winner, Happy Diva, was 2nd. He backed that effort up with two respectable efforts in Grade 2 company, which saw his mark drop from 152 to 149.
It’s also worth noting that he was intended to make his seasonal debut (last season) in the Old Roan at Aintree, but the ground was far too soft for him. I expect that to be his early season target again this term. He needs two and a half miles on good ground to be seen to best effect and, despite being 7lbs above his last winning mark, he will be a threat if conditions are in his favour.
2. LUCKOFTHEDRAW
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
He’s won on each of his three seasonal reappearances, while his only other win came after a 58-day break so he’s clearly at his best when fresh.
Following his win at Market Rasen last September, Luckofthedraw failed to hit the frame on each of his four subsequent starts. However, I’m happy to forgive those efforts; he was pulled up in three consecutive starts at the end of the 2018/19 season before winning on his first run of the 2019/20 season so a summer break appears to spark a return to form.
He’s now rated 130, just 1lb higher than his last winning mark. He’s versatile with regards to ground, having won on good and heavy, while 2 and a half miles looks to be his optimum trip. He’s definitely one to keep onside when he makes his return to the track.
3. RED INDIAN
Trainer: Kelly Morgan
His record after a 100+ day break reads: 312315, while his record on seasonal reappearance is: 1315
Red Indian was well fancied when making his seasonal reappearance last term in the Peter Marsh. Sent off the 5/1 joint-favourite, he travelled keenly throughout but still looked a major threat as they turned for home (traded at evens in running). However, his early exertions took their toll as he faded on the long run in, eventually finishing 5th. The extended 3m1f on heavy ground appeared to stretch his stamina; in fact, Kelly Morgan had previously stated that “He’s got enough (pace) for two and a half (miles)… three miles probably stretches him slightly”
He ran below par on his most recent appearance, but he was running a decent race before a late error appeared to knock the stuffing out of him. Those two runs saw his mark drop from 143 to 139; the same mark from which he finished 6th in the 2018 Coral Cup.
He had some solid novice form to his name two seasons ago; he bolted up on chase/stable debut before running a superb race in the Kauto Star.
Proven on soft/heavy ground, Red Indian looks capable of winning a handicap on his return and his declining mark has opened up the option of dropping back in class. I’m of the opinion that he’ll be seen to best effect over a stiff 2m4f.
4. SCHIEHALLION MUNRO
Trainer: Micky Hammond
He took to fences like a duck to water last season, winning three of his four starts, including a win on his chase debut/seasonal reappearance. That run reinforced the idea that he’s a horse that goes well fresh; he finished 2nd to Captain Zebo (now rated 142) on his first run of the 2018/2019 season and he won after a 55 day break in February 2019.
Despite having the 2nd lowest hurdles rating of the five runners on his chase debut, he bolted up in very impressive fashion. His jumping was aggressive and accurate; a feature which would remain constant across all of his starts over fences to date. I’d encourage you to watch his latest run at Catterick where he beat a horse that I think a lot of, Return Ticket. His jumping on the front end was relentless and it helped him record a comfortable victory which saw him raised to a mark of 140.
That would have made him eligible for a shot at the Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but connections are seemingly being patient with him as we have not seen him since that run at Catterick in January. His high mark means that he’s eligible for a variety of targets. The BetVictor Gold Cup is one possibility; he has won over 2 miles, but he stays 2 and a half miles very well and his jumping would be a big asset in a handicap of that nature.
This progressive horse could be underestimated (as so many Northern horses are) if venturing down south. He’s certainly one to note first time out and for the season ahead.
5. THEO
Trainer: Dr. Richard Newland
Since running up a 5-timer back in 2017, Theo has been running from marks in the 130’s to the low 140s, with his last win coming off a mark of 135 in August 2018. While this admirable 10-year-old hasn’t won for the better part of two years, he has run some superb races in defeat.
His record when running after a break of 100+ days (since 2016): 1122 – on the two occasions he’s been second, he was beaten by less than a length.
Last season was a frustrating one; he was narrowly beaten by Sizing Platinum (who had the run of the race) on his seasonal reappearance, with next time out winner, Adrrastos, back in 3rd. He was beaten in similar fashion by stable mate, McGroarty, on his next start. That time, he had the subsequent Old Roan winner, Forest Bihan, back in 3rd. Those runs came off 139 & 141 respectively.
His form tailed off thereafter, but he was running on unsuitably soft ground so I’m willing to put a line through his three subsequent efforts.
Back down to a mark of 139, he is capable of going well when he makes his return to the track. He needs good ground to be seen to best effect and it’s also worth noting that he’s rated 9lbs lower over hurdles should connections look to exploit that, although he has far better form over the larger obstacles.
6. TOUCH KICK
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Having won on his last two seasonal reappearances, Touch Kick has proven himself to be a useful chaser when conditions are in his favour. At home on good ground, he is a very strong traveller who goes well at sharp tracks; his last three wins have come at Hereford, Taunton and Fakenham.
While he hasn’t quite been able to make his mark in the more competitive handicap chases, Paul Nicholls has done well to find more winnable opportunities for him down in grade. His record in class 3 handicap chases is: 7131114 – and the 7th placed finish was on his chase debut. Discounting that run, he’s won four and placed once in six starts at that level.
In contrast, his record in Class 1/2 handicap chases is: 239P62. On the two occasions he finished 2nd, he was beaten by 13 lengths and 10 lengths respectively.
He’s still 6lbs above his last winning mark, but I still think it’s a winnable one if the race is right. Look out for him over 2m6f-3m on a sharp track on good ground.
overandclear.com 
One thought on “2020/21 National Hunt – 6 Handicappers To Follow First Time Out”