Can Shakem land another Cheltenham win for Harry Redknapp? - quotes and analysis for veterans' chase

The Unibet middle-distance veterans' series is a relatively new concept but the strength of Friday's line-up is solid proof that it deserves a place in the British jumps calendar.

Just two horses rated over 140 featured in this race's first running in 2022 but that is up to seven this year, while three of the other four have already scored this season.

The key attribute shared by the previous two winners of this race, Magic Dancer (2022) and Cepage (2023), was a wealth of course form. The eye is immediately drawn to dual Cheltenham winners Shakem Up'Arry and Seddon, but both the former's victories came in 2024, whereas Seddon's recent form is hard to judge.

Shakem Up'Arry achieved his career-best victory over course and distance in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival in March and his Racing Post Rating of 153 is the highest in this field over fences in 2024. His Plate win was achieved off a 73-day break and he seems the right favourite on this seasonal return.

Dashel Drasher was given an RPR of 154 for his three-and-a-quarter-length fourth to Noble Yeats in the Cleeve Hurdle in January. The 2021 Ascot Chase winner did not jump badly on his return to fences in the 1965 Chase at Ascot last month, although he was third behind a 128-rated runner-up at level weights. The ground was an excuse that day and ideally he would like more rain.

Joe Tizzard has worked wonders in bringing Copperhead back to form but stable jockey Brendan Powell rides yard favourite Eldorado Allen. Last time out Eldorado Allen put up a bold effort on his first try in veterans' company at Warwick but Torn And Frayed proved too good. The comfortable winner is on 3lb worse terms, taking into account that Freddie Gingell isn't claiming 3lb off Tizzard's runner.

Shan Blue is fascinating off his mark of 141 as he bids for a first success since the 2020 Kauto Star Novices' Chase. Clearly he is not what he once was but he travelled well for a long way on his reappearance at Bangor and perhaps has one more day in him.

What they say

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Eldorado Allen and Copperhead
This is as competitive as any of the veterans' finals, which is great. The trip and ground will suit Eldorado Allen slightly better than Copperhead. Eldorado Allen loves it around Cheltenham as well. It's great to see Copperhead come back to life and we'll run here before the final at Sandown next month.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Shakem Up'Arry
He's been in good order and has done enough work without doing a ridiculous amount. I'm hoping he'll put his best foot forward even if he might slightly improve for the run. We're very much aiming him at New Year's Day but this was the obvious race. He goes well fresh and I'm hopeful he'll give a good account of himself.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Shan Blue
He's in really good form. He hasn’t won for a long time but the handicapper has given him some sort of chance now. He’s in against other older horses in the veterans’ race and I’d give him an each-way chance for sure.

Heather Main, trainer of Numitor
It's competitive but it's a nice race for him. It'll be his first trip around Cheltenham and I think that trip is about right around there. He's got a chance.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Torn And Frayed
He's won at Cheltenham and he won at Warwick last time. These OAP races are good and hopefully he can continue to run well in them.

David Pipe, trainer of Eden Du Houx
He'll probably run but we'll see what the ground is like. He prefers softer conditions. He's not getting any younger but still works nicely at home.

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