OLD ROAN CHASE - MODULE 6/1

Off 164 he'll be top weight now that Dynaste is not running. Possible but it all depends what is lurking at the bottom.

Yes.. agree with that ...but difficult to see what lurks below... dont feel they are in the same class as module...

maybe a little shout to Conquisto... who won the race last year... as the main threat at this stage...

baby steps for me with the jumps at the moment.

If there is a lurker, I wonder if it might be Bold Sir Brian, assuming he takes up his entry.

He was disappointnig twice before his prolonged break but I think it's possible he was still feeling the effects of that horrible fall he took at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day a couple of years back.

He suffered a broken vertabrae but has been back in training since Christmas, should be fit enough and looks back on a workable mark of 148.

The drawback (there usually is one!) is that they might be more focussed on ensuring he gets around safely and comes back in one piece - I suppose they might be thinking about Paddy Power or even Hennessy as possible targets too.

Lucinda Russells' blog suggests he's had plenty of schooling over fences so you'd like to think he was over his crashing fall in terms of confidence.

I'll probably have a small ew bet if he's a silly price, 20-1 would be OK but want to see him declared first.

Looking forward to this one.

I too liked Module last season, but 164 seems a little harsh for what he's achieved. He certainly doesn't look chucked in at the weights, and is too short at 6/1.

For me the race is all about Uxizandre. I was really taken by his Aintree and Cheltenham festival appearances. He's versatile, has tactical speed but also is a very game battler at the end who'll comfortably see out the trip. He'll either lead or be raced handy; I hope he leads and gets into a rhythm. I think he was just about the best novice chaser last season. He lead at a strong pace at Cheltenham and was only just collared by Taquin DS who was given a good ride by AP.

I think a mark of 157 underrates him and 9/2 is big.

The other 3 that look interesting are:

Wishfull Thinking - Best horse in the race. Loves the course and 2m4f looks his trip nowadays. Still on a high mark, but has tons of class and difficult to discount if jumps well.

Cedre Bleu - Complete monkey, but has loads of ability. Will get a strong pace to suit, hopefully be covered up, get into a nice rhythm and be delivered ultra-late. May not go passed though!

Kauto Stone - Never lived up to his name but been given some shocking rides from the front in the big races. Now on a very tasty mark of 140 with Nico taking off an additional 3. Big drop in class, new stable, fresh horse. 20/1 a nice each-way price.

Sorry, just read Kauto Stone out of the race after picking up a knock

module certainly not well handicapped off 164, do very well to win this. I agree King's horse less exposed.

Tough ask off top weight on this track. I've him for the Ryanair though @ 33/1 he's some value.

For this Uxizandre & Rolling Aces, go with the course and distance form.

"Suprised he has never run at Aintree... seems the type to take the track."

He was sore after Cheltenham '13 and a tummy ache ruled him out of the Melling Chase last April. Track should suit.

A good claimer on Astracad could be interesting if the ground doesn't soften up.

Reports have it Tommy Cooper has Lucky William back to form he won grade 1 in..
11 but lightly raced..

Just like that

I'd say Rajdhani Express at 6/1 is the best bet, but the margins are tight. It's not a race to get too deep into.

I have rowed in with Uxizandre. With Barry Geraghty on board 4/1 looks fair.
I can see the attraction of Module but this may be as far as he gets and he is up against it at the weights.
Lucky William would have a good shout on his best form .

Feel sick - love Wishfull Thinking, fancied him but just bet Uxizandre. Heartbreaking stuff.

Wd backers.

Should have known Uxizandre was going to be a non trier today.

I did the same ThunderRoad as I saw him going so well my mind took me back to seeing him win at Aintree 4 years ago when he looked so good.

When I looked at the card at first Wishful Thinking did catch my eye... but last season 6th in the race put me off... but as Thunderoad pointed out has the class but I felt he needed a few runs considering his age... but by far that was a very impressive run... he is a type of horse if he wins easily it looks obvious ... so will hurt many that result...

As for Module drifted like a barge... on course... clearly horse was not ready ... but cobwebs blown off will follow him next start...

but interesting (and painful for me) start to the jumps...