Sam Winner has been the big ante-post gamble for the Pertemps Final following his impressive victory over Peddlers Cross on the all-weather at Kempton in January. The son of Okawango was a smart four-year-old and was sent off favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, eventually finishing fourth to his stable companion Zarkandar.
He was sent chasing in 2011 but fell at Cheltenham and fractured his off-fore knee. Trainer Paul Nicholls reported that his chances of survival were only 50-50 at one stage and his chances of racing again looked remote. He eventually reappeared at Sandown a year later when staying on from the rear to finish fifth and confirmed his well being at Kempton. The market support suggests that he may be back to his best but the trip is unknown territory and this represents a much stiffer task than a national hunt flat race.
Jonjo O’Neill’s Shutthefrontdoor has also been well backed as he goes in search of a four-timer. He was far from impressive when winning narrowly at Carlisle last month and jockey Tony McCoy expressed doubts that he possessed the necessary experience for the Pertemps. Although beaten only once in seven starts, he does not look an easy ride and may struggle in this hugely competitive field.
Trainer David Pipe has kept up the family tradition of placing his horses well in big handicaps and Close House is one that could figure here. He has done nothing but stay on in all of his races, notably when fourth to Simonsig at last year’s festival and second to Double Ross back here in November. This extended trip should bring out the best in the son of Generous. Stable companion Gevrey Chambertin has multiple entries at the festival and is certain to attract interest wherever he runs.
Ely Brown put up a good performance when winning the series qualifier at Warwick in January. Although the winning margin was just over a length, he always looked to have matters in hand under Noel Fehily. He does not look harshly treated off a 7lbs higher mark but may need some give in the ground to show his best form.
Irish trainer Dessie Hughes has several entries headed by Si C’Etait Vrai, second to Grand National favourite On His Own last time out. Stonemaster stayed on well to finish sixth at odds of 100-1 in the Coral Cup last year and he put in an eye-catching run when third at Leopardstown in December.
Summary
Sam Winner is clearly fancied for this but it looks a difficult race for a horse on the comeback from serious injury. There are also serious question marks about Shutthefrontdoor’s ability to cope with this big field and preference is for Close House if he is David Pipe’s chosen representative. If the going is on the soft side Ely Brown looks to have excellent each-way claims.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
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Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
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Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
