Bravemansgame dwarfs over his opposition - but who might be able to take him down in the Denman Chase?

Bravemansgame towers over his opposition - but who might be able to take him down in the Denman Chase?

Today's Offers

All offers

Exclusive new customer sign up offers

FREE BETS

You can get a Gold Cup trial, or a competitive betting heat, but not both. That is the lesson from the Denman Chase. This year comes under the second heading, which is just as well because the years when this race is a Gold Cup trial rarely illuminate.

In terms of status, Bravemansgame dwarfs the other seven in this race. He is not so dominant in the betting as that would imply. It is more than understandable why punters would want to get him beaten. He has not won a race since December 2022, and has in recent times been dogged by weak finishes.

I, too, was all set to play strongly against him. The addition of a tongue-tie made me pause, as personal suspicion has long been that Bravemansgame is not really going through with his effort. A reminder of his Newbury record, a perfect three from three, is a further niggle. A horse like him is likely to be at their best on flat, galloping tracks.

He is far from the only one with a fondness for Newbury. Le Patron and Djelo both won on their only previous visit. Eldorado Allen won this race three years ago. Hitman has been second in it twice.

Two of the more appealing betting prospects are among those without strong Newbury form. Shy youngster turned irrepressible teenager Sam Brown keeps running mighty races, and soft ground on a flat track would be his ideal conditions.

There remains something to be unlocked in Ga Law, and it could well be related to his stamina. He has had precious few attempts over three miles, and the Great Yorkshire Chase two years ago remains a tantalising reminder of what might still be there. He fell at the last that day when still upsides winner Cooper's Cross.

Ga Law has made his name at Cheltenham, yet he races like he should be better elsewhere. His jumping can be scratchy and he is not the sweetest traveller. Newbury, flatter in profile and with somewhat softer fences, should be better for him in theory.

If any of the eight declared runners come out (Fugitif is declared at Warwick, but this is his first preference) then punters will be forced to pick a side on Bravemansgame. Otherwise, it is possible to skirt around the question. Appealing each-way bets abound in a race that is more often than not these days a decent betting Grade 2, rather than a Gold Cup trial.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Ga Law
He's been waiting for some slightly nicer ground, so hopefully he gets that here. He's stepping up in trip, but he always looks like he will get this distance. He was second in the Paddy Power this season off a big weight and he's on the cusp of being a Grade 2 horse and carrying topweight in these handicaps.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Bravemansgame and Hitman
Hitman was second to Shishkin last year and always runs a good race, so he's not without a chance. He's run some good races but he's in no-man's land a little bit. He pays the price for being so genuine, but it's a slightly easier race than last year. If Bravemansgame runs like he did on his first two starts this season he'll have a big chance. I think the blinkers didn't work in the King George and he ran too freely chasing Il Est Francais before getting tired. He's the one to beat, probably. The dry forecast will suit him and he's won at Newbury, so hopefully he'll run very well. He'll go to the Grand National after this.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Eldorado Allen
He's in good form, but whether or not he's still up to this we'll see. The handicapper hasn't really given him a chance, but some of his best form is around Newbury. He won this in 2022 and he's run well in the Coral Gold Cup too. He'll love a bit of decent ground and it's not the hottest race in the world.
Reporting by Liam Headd

Read these next:

'You can't find too many faults in him' - who can take advantage of Sir Gino's absence in the Game Spirit?

'All three of mine can run blinders' - William Hill Hurdle trainers have their say on one of the best betting races of the year

'He goes there in great form' - can L'Eau Du Sud maintain his flawless novice chase campaign under a penalty?

Plate winner Shakem Up'Arry attempts return to winning ways in competitive veterans' chase

Allegorie De Vassy and Dinoblue face off in dress rehearsal for Mares' Chase clash at Cheltenham next month