'Hopefully, he can come back to form' - analysis and trainer quotes as Harjo lines up to defend title

It has been a downward spiral for Harjo since he ran out an authoritative winner of the 2023 running of the handicap chase at Wincanton.

The gelding has recorded form figures of P2P-PP since. A bout of wind surgery must have had a positive effect for the seven-year-old to retain his title (2.45).

Charlie Longsdon is a modest seven per cent with runners following the procedure, about half his overall success rate, and there are a higher quantity of potentially well-treated runners for Harjo to overcome in any case.

Jane Williams landed this in 2022 and Another Folly should have plenty to offer in this sphere. He was third in a good handicap at Exeter on his chasing debut in October, a race that produced three next-time-out winners, and perhaps he found three miles too far on his previous outing.

Gyenyame offered plenty in decent handicap hurdles last season and broke his duck over fences in a moderate race at Exeter last time, jumping slightly left throughout. That will remain a concern at Wincanton.

It will be fascinating to see how Yggdrasil fares following a 556-day absence on his second start for David Pipe. He began the 2022-23 season rated 16lb higher, so could make hay off this mark with a first-time tongue-tie applied.

However, perhaps King Arise can provide the answer. The lightly raced seven-year-old is another with a fragile profile, but returned with a cracking second to a subsequent winner at Ayr last month. He has been given 45 days to get over those exertions and will be dangerous if progressing for the comeback.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Ground and weather

The ground is good to soft, good in places and conditions are expected to remain dry until after racing.

Tom Ryall, clerk of the course, said: "The last couple of furlongs walked good this morning, so we put that in the description, and I'd imagine we'll be what we are now for racing."

What they say

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Gold Link
It hasn't been the best of starts to the season for various reasons, but he ran well first time when all of mine were needing the run. He never got into a rhythm at Wetherby, but he's been sharp in his work and his schooling at home, and it's the right kind of race for him. I'm looking forward to getting him back out.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Gyenyame
He's in good form and he had a lovely confidence booster at Exeter last time. He jumped lovely and he's won round Wincanton before. Although he's got plenty of weight, he should be very competitive.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Harjo
He won the race last year and things haven't gone to plan since. He's had a wind operation since his last run and I'm bringing him back to two-and-a-half miles. Hopefully, he can come back to the form we know he possesses.

Jane Williams, trainer of Another Folly
We're very hopeful because he's been knocking on the door for a while now and he's a very good jumper. The track should suit him and it's not quite as far as Exeter as that trip probably stretched him a little. We're very positive about him.
Reporting by Liam Headd