Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Warwick TrustATrader Hampton Novices' Chase (Grade 2, 3m, 5yo+) horse racing event.
Handstands began the season with a fall in the Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton, but bounced back to clinch the Esher Novices' Chase (Grade 2) at Sandown over 3 miles. This marks the six-year-old gelding's first season in chases, as it is for most of the field.
Cherie d'Am finished last in her season debut at Carlisle, where she started as the favourite, losing out to two geldings, albeit by just a neck for second place. She then competed against her own sex in the Lady Godiva Mares' Novices' Chase (Listed Race), where she secured a victory. All her successes, including two over hurdles and one in a bumper, have come in mares-only races.
Resplendent Grey kicked off his chasing career with a win in the Novices' Limited Handicap Chase over two and a half miles, triumphing over favourite Hoe Joly Smoke by 5 1⁄2 lengths. He followed that up with two runner-up finishes in 3-mile contests, most recently starting as favourite but conceding to Handstands. At 10/3 on bet365, he offers decent value for a potential revenge bet.
Saint Davy has only raced once this season, finishing third behind Handstands and Resplendent Grey. Jonjo O'Neill Jr dropped his whip while contesting for the second spot, but the win was beyond their reach. The distance won't trouble him, but it remains to be seen if he can show improvement.
Johnnywho secured victory in a modest Novices' Chase at Carlisle early in the season, before placing third twice in Grade 2 events. While he has a 3-mile win to his name, that came some time ago in a point-to-point. This race poses a big challenge for him.
Mark Of Gold ran in three hurdle races this season without success, but then surprisingly impressed in the Howden Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2), winning the race and relegating favourite Johnnywho to third. This will be his first attempt over 3 miles, but under the guidance of Gary & Josh Moore, he has the potential to surprise.
