'We expect him to go close' - analysis and essential trainer quotes for tight-looking Southwell handicap chase

Ben Pauling has an 18 per cent strike-rate at Southwell in the last five seasons and he saddles Awaythelad in this 2m4½f handicap chase.

The seven-year-old won back-to-back races over hurdles last season and shaped with promise on his chase debut at Lingfield three weeks ago, sticking to his task well in the closing stages, but there’s a suspicion we’ll see the best of him on ground softer than today's.

Yes Day is another who arrives on the back of a promising chase debut. The six-year-old failed to settle in the early stages at Warwick, paying for those exertions in the closing stages, but he’s another who may improve for his reappearance and the winner from that race went close at Doncaster subsequently from 5lb higher.

Dan Skelton is 5-19 with his runners at Southwell this season and saddles Theformismighty, who is getting better with each run. After a wide-margin maiden hurdle success in March, he was the yard’s first string when fourth at Ayr but showed some signs of inexperience in a race won by his stablemate Punta Del Este.

However, there was plenty to like about his chase debut at Chepstow in October. Having been slowly away in the rear, he warmed to the task nicely and jumped with aplomb. That eyecatching effort is worth upgrading as he was the only one to get involved from off the pace.

Imac Wood has an experience edge over the field having had 14 chase starts, winning six, but he was beaten a long way out at Warwick last month.

Other previous winners over fences include Champagnesuperover and Sainte Doctor. The former hasn’t looked the force of old this year and Sainte Doctor's return at Plumpton was a low-key effort having missed all of last season.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

Going update

The going is good to soft at Southwell, with all race distances set for an additional 44 yards approximately. Raceday is expected to stay mostly dry with sunny spells.

What they say

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Jaramillo
He’s a bit quirky but its his first time over fences and if he takes to it he could be competitive. The conditions should suit him.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Champagnesuperover
He’s had his wind done since his last run at Bangor so hopefully that will help his chances.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Theformismighty
He blew up on his first run over fences when fourth in a nice race at Chepstow where he jumped well. He’ll enjoy the ground.

Jonjo O’Neill, joint-trainer of Yes Day
He was bought for chasing and ran well on his first start over fences at Warwick. He has a sporting chance in an open-looking race.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Awaythelad
We're very happy with him. He jumped well on his first start over fences last time and has schooled very well at home since. We expect him to go very close.

Alex Hales, trainer of Kaituna River
He’s not done a lot wrong for us, including when third on his comeback over hurdles at Wetherby and we’ve always been looking forward to putting him over a fence.
Reporting by David Milnes

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