7th Apr 2016 | Horse Racing
Topham Chase Tips: Ruben Cotter
Fifth when co-favourite for the race last year. Preparation not nearly as strong but races off 6lbs lower mark.
We get a taster for the Grand National with the Topham Chase (4.05) run over the same obstacles. The trip might be a less daunting 21f but experience over these unique fences is an advantage.
Ruben Cotter was sent off the 8/1 co-favourite for the race last year and finished a respectable fifth. Normally that would see him feature prominently in the market again but the season hasn’t gone to plan.
The 10-year-old is clearly fragile (this only his 13th race) and he’s only managed one start this season when beaten 30 lengths in the Betbright Chase at Kempton. That isn’t as bad as it sounds; Theatre Guide was a wide margin winner and it’s often one of the hottest handicaps of the season.
Ruben Cotter is at his best going left-handed on a flat track, stays further than 21f and is 6lbs lower than when fifth in the race last year. Paul Nicholls is a master at fixing ailing horses and he’s probably been aimed at this race all season.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 17:25 7th Apr, 2016 but subject to change
