Fusil Raffles and Cap Du Nord among leading fancies in wide-open Sky Bet Chase

Saturday: 3.20 Doncaster
Sky Bet Handicap Chase (Listed) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV/Sky

Looking at the field, you would not say this is the same race won last year by marathon specialist Takingrisks. A sizeable minority of the 17 declared might fall into the category of three-milers, but not stayers.

That applies to Nuts Well (an each-way consideration off his Old Roan-winning mark), Windsor Avenue, Grand Sancy and Janika.

It also goes for market principals like Midnight Shadow, who would be just about favourite for the 1.55 at Cheltenham today, Kapcorse, Cap Du Nord and even the favourite Fusil Raffles, who is one-from-one over staying trips, but that is the result of an aberration in the Charlie Hall.

It may not be a coincidence that so many are trying their luck in this running of the Sky Bet Chase. There has reportedly been no rain on Town Moor since January 8 and officials have had to water this week to maintain good ground.

Times on Friday's card were not the quickest but that might have owed something to a fresh wind, which is directly into runners' faces up the straight and could strengthen to 40mph on Saturday.

That is the sting in the tail that may await the less doughty sorts in the race. In theory it might not suit front-runners either, although westerly is the prevailing wind and it has not stopped plenty of recent winners coming from among the pacesetters.

Dual winner Ziga Boy made most for both of his successes, Go Conquer shared front-running duties and OK Corral was always close up.

If a strong-staying prominent racer is the desire, then Storm Control, Demachine and Debece would drift towards the top of the shortlist. The last-named of those makes particular appeal from a form perspective.

He was a smart prospect for Tim Vaughan and on his only start for Dan Skelton was ridden too hard at Sandown, being nearly a second per furlong slower from the pond fence. He shaped much the best and split two subsequent winners.

The problem is his fragility. That Sandown run was nearly 11 months ago and he was a self-certificate absence from the Rowland Meyrick on Boxing Day, having almost certainly been laid out for the race.

It is no exaggeration to say the real Debece would be the rightful favourite, if it could be guaranteed he would turn up.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

'We schooled him yesterday and he was brilliant'

Nuts Well was the undoubted star of Ann Hamilton's small stable until the rise to prominence of Champion Hurdle hope Tommy's Oscar and the 11-year-old will be out to prove his class under joint-top weight in an extremely competitive Sky Bet Chase.

Winner of last season's Grade 2 Old Roan Chase, Nuts Well steps up to three miles for the first time in his long career against a deep field containing the winners of this season's Charlie Hall (Fusil Raffles), Paddy Power Gold Cup (Midnight Shadow) and Ladbrokes Trophy (Cloudy Glen).

Nuts Well: 'We want to find out whether he stays the three miles,' says trainer Ann HamiltonCredit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

"We want it to be dry; it helps him along with his jumping as he springs off the ground," said Hamilton.

"The weight is the biggest problem, but we want to find out whether he stays the three miles. He often balloons the first fence, so we schooled him yesterday and he was brilliant, so we can't do any more."

What they say

Sue Smith, trainer of Midnight Shadow
It's been so far so good with him this season. It's his first time over three miles and although he's been running great races over two and a half, we're keen to assess him over the trip.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Fusil Raffles and Janika
Three miles on good ground should suits Fusil Raffles, I think that's the ideal scenario but the problem is there's a whole host of good horses in here. It looks a very tough race. He's in very good form and I think he's improving. Janika is consistent and has been given a bit of a chance by the handicapper, while we're taking off another 7lb. He hasn't carried this sort of weight in a good handicap for a long time.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Cloudy Glen
He would like more cut in the ground, but it wouldn't have been that soft at Newbury when he won the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Windsor Avenue
He ran well at Bangor and it didn't happen for him at Wetherby, but he'll like the decent ground here. He's in good form and has schooled well in the blinkers.

Kerry Lee, trainer of Demachine and Storm Control
I'm up against it with both horses as it's a very hot race, as you'd expect for a race of this nature. It would be great if either of them could finish in the frame. They will appreciate the track and trip.

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Hill Sixteen
We want to run in the Grand National and this is his last chance to do something at the weights. He's won on good ground before and it's likely to be a truly run race and a test of stamina. I was delighted with him at Aintree and then not many of them got into the race at Chepstow.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Kapcorse
He's really fragile to train, so we give him plenty of time, but I'm sure he'll get three miles and good ground is ideal for him. He's got a chance in a competitive race.

Alan King, trainer of Canelo
He's 11lb lower in the weights than when fourth in this last year, although he's yet to show his best form this season. I'm hoping for the best.

Bryony Frost, rider of Grand Sancy
He's off no weight at all and hopefully it will be good ground, which will make it easier for him. I've been riding him a little bit at home and he's in brilliant health.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Debece
It's a very competitive race. We're happy with him at home. He's done loads of work and we've got to get him out there.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Hurricane Harvey
We were very disappointed at Cheltenham last time after he ran a blinder in the Badger Beers at Wincanton, but for whatever reason it just never happened for him. We've freshened him up and he's won a Grade 2 round there before. The nice ground helps him as well and he has a lovely weight. We're very hopeful.

Christian Williams, trainer of Cap Du Nord
He ran well in the race last year on messy ground and he will be suited by the better ground there.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

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2.30 Cheltenham: 'He's got to come through this' – D-day for big Gold Cup hope Chantry House

2.45 Doncaster: will the River Don prove an 'easy route' for Unanswered Prayers?

3.05 Cheltenham: 'Any criticism of him is surely harsh' – Graeme Rodway on Cleeve favourite Champ

3.40 Cheltenham: does Nicky Henderson hold winning formline in clash of two potential stars?

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