On Sunday attention turns to Huntingdon as they stage the Peterborough Chase. This two and a half mile Grade 2 contest has been won by some great horses including Edredon Bleu (1998-2001), Best Mate (2002) and more recently Al Ferof (2015).
God’s Own was a good winner of the Halden Gold Cup at Exeter last month, which was his first victory since landing the Grade 1 Champion Chase at the Punchestown festival back in 2016. He was beaten twice by Altior last season which there was no shame in and on form he really is the horse to beat.
Kim Bailey’s Charbel has already run three times this season and most recently finished a close second to Poliitologue in the Grade 2 1965 chase. He finished fourth in the Tingle Creek this time last year and if he reproduces this run then he must go close.
Lizzie Kelly rides Tea For Two here and this former Grade 1 winner at Aintree ran well for much of last season until his form tailed off towards the end. He was third in the King George at Kempton at Christmas which shows he retains plenty of ability and given his respectable record when fresh and the fact he’s had a wind op, then he may bounce back to form.
Josses Hill beat Tea For Two by six lengths to take this contest back in 2016, at which time he looked to be one of the most exciting chasers in training. In truth, Nicky Henderson’s gelding has been disappointing since then. His best run last season cam when finishing second in this race last season behind Top Notch and Nicky will be hoping a return to this track may provide Josses Hill with his first victory in two years.
Rene’s Girl looked to have a Grade 1 at her mercy last season only for the ill-fated Finnian’s Oscar to chin her in the final strides at Aintree. Dan Skelton’s mare ran well on seasonal debut at Carlisle behind Mister Whitaker where she lost all chance at the last. She should improve for this run and will run well.
Selection: God’s Own
