There might only be five going to post for this year’s running of the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Saturday, 2.55pm), but that does nothing to dampen my excitement about a race which traditionally signals the changing of the guard, as the Flat draws to a close and the Jumps season enters full swing.
It’s a race which has been kind to me on the punting front too, and last year this column nailed Evan Williams’ State Of Play as he got up to chin Wetherby specialist Ollie Magern in a thriller.
This year Vale Of Glamorgan handler Williams relies on eight year old Halling gelding Deep Purple, and there’s a lot to like about his chances as he tackles a trip in excess of two and a half miles for the first time ever.
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A flat speed track and fast ground are exactly what this fella requires, and with his excellent jumping he could well lead this small field a merry dance on his seasonal reappearance.
The lack of rain about in recent days is definitely a plus, and in answer to the vital question Evan told me on Friday morning he’s “very confident he’ll handle the step up in trip”.
Smart as a novice hurdler a couple years ago, and even better when he joined the novice chasing ranks, Deep Purple ideally wants it as hard as the adjacent A1, and with conditions to suit he’ll be very hard to beat here if he doesn’t run out of juice under Paul Moloney.
Those pundits who’ve been talking up the chances of favourite Tamarinbleu do so in the knowledge he’s got a fantastic record when fresh, and has a huge edge on experience, plus a few pounds in hand on official figures.
What they neglect to mention though is that this 3m 1f trip is also at the very boundaries of his known stamina limitations, plus he was beaten a combined total of 178 lengths in his three subsequent starts after running second in last season’s Betfair Chase.
The Victor Chandler win that catapulted him into the big time is now nearly two years ago, and at a bigger price than Tamarinbleu I like the idea of backing a younger horse on a sharp upward trajectory who could turn out to be a real force this season.
This is the race which will tell us whether Deep Purple can make the transition from proven Grade 2 performer to established Grade 1 contender, and with his trainer bullish and last year’s displays providing plenty of encouragement he merits an investment here.
Don’t forget he signed off with an emphatic display at Ayr on Scottish National day, routing I’msingingtheblues and running on strongly by nine lengths in a strong Novices’ Chase.
If he continues to improve like that then the 3/1 with the sponsors (bet365) and Skybet looks very tempting. There could well be a purple dorsel fin circling its prey!
The remainder of this small but select field also merit plenty of respect, with one of most people’s favourite horses Ollie Magern back for another pop at the race he netted so gamely from the front in both 2005 and 2007.
Narrowly reeled in by State Of Play last year when saddled with a savage 10lb penalty he doesn’t have that to contend with this time around, his trainer’s making the right noises, and there won’t be a dry eye in the house if he can make it Charlie Hall number three.
Add to that his formidable course record; he has won three times and finished second once in five races at Wetherby, plus he’s won five of his six career races in October.
On the down side nothing really went his way after that brave effort here last season, and could the years finally be catching up with this immensely likeable horse?
All things considered I’m happy to gamble on the chances of Deep Purple’s fuel light not flickering on empty, so snap up the carpet 3/1 and strap yourself in for the ride!
Earlier in the day at Wetherby the Channel 4 cameras will also be taking in the Best Odds Guaranteed At bet365 Mares’ Hurdle at 2.20pm – a contest in which I’m sweet on the chances of Nicky Henderson’s My Petra in an open looking race at odds of around 11/2.
An emphasis on speed always seems to paint this mare in a positive light, and her outstanding effort here 12 months ago when winning this very race isn’t easily forgotten.
She goes really well fresh, and although she does have to concede weight all round I’ve no doubt she’s good enough. Henderson had a choice of assignments for her this weekend but chose this, take the hint and back her to win.
Good luck!
This Saturday’s tips at Wetherby:
2.20 – Best Odds Guaranteed At bet365 Mares’ Hurdle – 1 My Petra (win)
2.55 – bet365 Charlie Hall Chase – 2 Deep Purple (win) @ 3/1 (bet365 & Skybet)
Tags: ayr, bets, channel 4, Charlie Hall Chase, deep purple, evan williams, my petra, odds, scottish grand national, tamarinbleu, tips, tom lee, wetherby
