The Warwick Classic Chase is a race similar to the Welsh National in that it often requires a real slogger to see out the marathon trip. I remember backing old Moorcroft Boy to win this many moons ago with his limitless stamina and love of heavy ground. He duly obliged and I thought he was going to make me rich in the 1994 Grand National when he jumped into the lead before Dunwoody galvanised Miinnehoma for a final effort.
This week’s race will take place in heavy ground so the same rules apply. Having gone through the runners a couple of times, it is hard to pinpoint one that you could safely call a mud lark. I suppose you would have to consider Boyfromnowhere one of those least likely to be inconvenienced by the going after his gutsy win at Fontwell. My problem with that race was that the form looks extremely moderate and this is an altogether tougher task.
It is always tempting to go with class in this type of event and the one that stands out is Shotgun Paddy. He is only a novice but has been racing against a really good sort in Black Thunder. He would have given him a tough race last time had he not clattered the second last and handed the initiative to the Nicholls runner. I’ve no idea whether he will see out the last three-quarters of a mile if the going continues to deteriorate but it’s worth taking a chance at 7-1.
Willie Mullins has taken out On His Own and relies on Vesper Bell. This one travelled over for the Becher Chase and made a hasty exit at the first fence. If that experience hasn’t knocked his confidence, he is one of those with form in this type of ground and has to be respected but it is effectively his first race of the season.
I cannot see the 2011 Hennessy Gold Cup winner Carruthers winning under top weight on his first start of the year whilst Hey Big Spender and Master Overseer are difficult to catch right. I was looking forward to a good campaign for Same Difference this year but he has been lifeless in his first two races. If he were to bounce back to his best he would definitely be in with a shout but I cannot support him until he improves.
I’m also going to put up Any Currency as an each-way alternative after his excellent run at Cheltenham in December. That came in the Cross Country race won by Sire Collonges. He obviously takes a bit of knowing and needs to be kidded along so he is as likely to be pulled up as win. At 20-1 he is worth a small saver.
Shotgun Paddy at 7-1 William Hill
Any Currency (each-way) at 20-1 Boylesports
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
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.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
