'He's got a huge engine and the track should suit' - key trainer quotes and analysis for hot Wincanton handicap

The majority of the field for this competitive handicap hurdle are arriving in some sort of form and this could turn out to be a strong race for the grade.

Four of the in-form runners are handicap debutants representing top yards and Golden Move is particularly interesting from that group.

The Paul Nicholls-trained four-year-old is rated 81 on the Flat and can run off an opening mark of just 107 in this sphere. Golden Move might have failed to justify favouritism on both starts in maiden hurdles, but is fitted with first-time cheekpieces and has undergone wind surgery. While this is technically Golden Move’s seasonal return, he did contest a charity race at the track in the autumn.

It remains to be seen whether the opening marks of Double Dragon (Anthony Honeyball) and Goodwin Face (Chris Gordon) are workable, whereas Intrepide Sud (Fergal O’Brien) is a tempting proposition off his rating.

He put in a big career best when repelling the reopposing Sunninghill at Uttoxeter in October, showing a tendency to jump out to his right, and should be more at home going this way round.

Of those with previous handicap experience, Jour D’Evasion stands out for Henry Daly, who does well at Wincanton. There was some market support for this horse ahead of his return and handicap debut in a Class 2 won by Our Champ at Ascot in November before he unseated Charlie Deutsch at the first.

Jour D’Evasion clearly felt no ill-effects from that as he ran well eight days later in a slightly lower-grade contest at Sandown. The time was reasonable and he is entitled to strip fitter with that behind him.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Going report

It is good to soft, soft in places but rain forecast overnight could ease conditions. Clerk of the course Tom Ryall said: "We had 10mm of rain from Sunday into Monday but it's been a dry couple of days. We're due rain tonight, between 8mm to 12mm, and I imagine we'll be a mixture of soft and good to soft."

What they say

Jimmy Frost, trainer of Pirates' Tale
He's got some decent form and he's had a nice summer. The ground should be fine for him, as will the track. He's done us proud already and this looks a nice place to start him back in.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Intrepide Sud
He was a good winner on his last start 60 days ago but we've had some niggles with him since. He's got a huge engine though and we hope he'll be a nice horse if we can keep him right. Wincanton should suit him well and he'll go on any ground.

Anthony Charlton, trainer of Sergeant
He won well at Newton Abbot and is back down a few pounds in the weights. He's run at the track before but the ground would be a bit of a concern for him.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Golden Move
Arguably you could say he's well handicapped. He's not run since April but the ground should be okay for him. He might want a bit further in time though. We've added the cheekpieces which will hopefully sharpen him up.

Chris Gordon, trainer of Goodwin Face
He's in good order but I'd like the ground to dry up. It's his first time in a handicap and I'd like to think he's on a workable mark in the right race. Whether this is the case, we'll see.

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