4:10 – Schiehallion Munro 9/1 EW (4 places widely available)
I was incredibly impressed by this horse last season; he went from strength to strength over fences, impressing with his fast, accurate and aggressive jumping.
He made a winning chasing debut when scoring decisively at Catterick, beating the race fit and subsequent hurdle winner Captain Moirette.
He wasn’t given a hard time when beaten by Knight In Dubai (pair pulled readily clear of the 3rd in a slowly run race) before beating NTO winner, Stradivarius Davis at Newcastle over an inadequate trip (2m, he’s definitely at his best over 2m4f)
Having run 3 times in Novice chases, he made he made his handicap debut at Catterick off 131. Prominent early, his quick and accurate jumping took him to the front after the 4th. His relentlessly pristine leaps meant he never looked like getting caught as he cruised to a a comfortable 3.5length win (eased down)
The runner up was Return Ticket; his subsequent form over fences reads 2221 over fences, chasing home some useful types Mx he’s now rated 6lbs higher than when beaten by Schiehallion Munro.
The front 3 were well clear, but the 4th (Before Midnight) has finished 2nd in both subsequent starts while Crixus’s Escape (5th) finished second NTO before bolting up at Kelso. Hence, the form has a solid look to it.
Following that win, he was reportedly being aimed at Aintree in the spring which speaks volumes about the regard he’s held in.
A keen sort (wears a good), all of his starts to date over fences have come in field sizes of less than 6 (although he did beat 12 rivals in a novice hurdle). If anything I think a larger amount of runners will suit him given that he can pull early in his races and his sound jumping should hold him in good stead.
Micky Hammond has had a couple of winners in the last week, and he has a 17% S/R in handicap chases at Wetherby when Joe Colliver rides (A/E 1.27).
While a mark of 140 demands another step forward, I think he’s capable of it and conditions are ideal in terms of ground, trip and track (he is a course and distance winner over hurdles). The 9/1 on offer is fair given his progressive profile and, if fit, he should make his presence felt here.
overandclear.com 