Timeform Notebook: Take a Chance

There was a thrilling finish to the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Chase at Ascot on Saturday as a resurgent Restless Harry got the better of a sustained duel with Teaforthree. Much of the post-race analysis understandably focused on the performance of the Grand National-bound runner-up who had been well backed mid-week following the allocation of a favourable-looking mark, and he certainly enhanced his Aintree prospects with a sound-jumping and game display. Teaforthree wasn't the only horse in the race that fared well with Aintree in mind, however, as the Becher Chase winner Chance du Roy shaped much better than an eight-length fourth having made a big mid-race move. 

Chance du Roy looked no more than averagely treated prior to Saturday's race, but he didn't shape that way, travelling best for much of the race before presumably paying the price for a swift move to the front as they left the back straight. Chance Du Roy was largely out of sorts last term but he showed two seasons ago that he is a reliable performer and, based on this effort, he looks sure to give a good account on his next outing. Chance Du Roy is entered in the Grand National but the Topham Chase, a race in which he finished runner-up two seasons ago, would make plenty of appeal. The Aintree fences may not take as much jumping as in yesteryear but it is still a unique course and an impressive course record, such as the one Chance Du Roy possesses, is still an undoubted positive and he would warrant consideration.

Timeform Notebook:

Straidnahanna was possibly stretched by the step up to three miles on extremely testing going at Haydock, and he was pulled up having been headed three out. Not for the first time this season Straidnahanna was set a stiff task against some useful rivals and, while he remains with potential, we will remove him from the Notebook list until his sights are lowered. 

Benefit Cut was an impressive winner at Market Rasen but, turned out quickly under a penalty, he proved disappointing at Leicester, never threatening to land a blow. The likelihood is that Benefit Cut simply found the run coming too soon and he is worth one more chance, despite the fact he will have to race off higher marks in future.

Many Clouds ran right up to his best in defeat at Ascot, jumping well, travelling powerfully but simply pressing on too soon with main market rival Gevrey Chambertin, setting things up for one ridden with slightly more restraint. Many Clouds has plenty of the attributes you would want in a RSA contender and has to remain of interest, for all others have achieved more in form terms.

Shutthefrontdoor - Disappointed last time but earlier efforts suggest he can develop into a smart novice.
Merlin's Wish - Staying handicap chaser who remains capable of winning off current mark.
Close House - Has faced some stiff tasks over fences and could yet do better.  
Many Clouds - Likeable type that pressed on too soon at Ascot but will continue to give a good account.
Famousandfearless - Seemingly well regarded and type to improve for switch to handicaps.
Champagne At Tara - Shaped well on hurdling debut under considerate ride. Not knocked about last time.
Regal Encore - Looks set to enter handicaps on a lenient mark and is sure to progress.
Champagne West - Progressive novice that has rattled up a hat-trick in good style.
Pass Muster - Still potentially well treated over hurdles based on fairly useful Flat form. 
Dungeness - Has looked an improved horse this season and could be better over further. 
Benefit Cut - Possibly found run coming too soon at Leicester and worth another go.
Tap Night - Smart chaser who remains unexposed and is likely to have a Festival handicap as his main aim.
Clever Cookie - Improving rapidly and impressed with the way in which he travelled at Musselburgh.
If In Doubt - Lightly raced and unexposed as a staying hurdler. Still improving and boasts solid form.

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