Thursday 1:30 > JLT Speciality Chase

[Aidymac]

:ok

[Blazing Bailey]

Re: Thursday 1:30 > JLT Speciality Chase This could turn into a fascinating race as I think there are a few quite closely rated. Wonderful Charm (6/1) is my pick and he is one I have watched quite closely since his early season runs because I think he is built for a race like this. He jumps well, he travels well and he finds off the bridle (albeit not as much as some). He was impeccable in beating some decent opposition earlier in the season and he comes out best at the weights in his narrow loss to Oscar Whiskey. With the 8lb pull and hopefully a more aggressive ride, I can really see him winning this quite nicely as I do expect there will be a decent amount of improvement too. Felix Yonger is the current favourite and I certainly wouldnt put anyone off him. My main issue with him now is the price because he is short enough now. He has ran well behind some of the top Irish chasers this season and whilst he has been given excuses about the ground, it is worth noting that he performed with credit on soft while he was a hurdler. I do think he can do better on better ground though and I do think he is capable of winning this but at the same time I do also think my selection may just have the better form going into the race and I would rather take a chance on that one at the prices. Oscar Whiskey shouldnt be forgotten because he too has solid form and whilst his jumping hasnt always been spot on and whilst he wasnt very impressive at Sandown I do think he will be involved at the finish. I think he may just be a little below the first two and he would need to come on a bit to reverse placings with Wonderful Charm but he is a game horse and will throw down a challenge. Double Ross may be a dark horse in this race. Solid handicap form, loves the track, jumps well, travels and finds but like OW, he may just be slightly below this level. If I was going to play EW then he would be my choice. Im not really sold on any of the others, Mozoltov and Djakadam are hard horses to work out but ultimately I dont think either will be good enough unless they improve a bundle and Taquin De Seuil is better on a softer surface.