Snoopy Loopy ready to rumble
Peter Bowen’s admirable gelding was highly tried after capitalising on the final-fence exit of Kauto Star to land the prestigious Haydock prize.
He had warmed up for that contest by finishing third to State Of Play in this race but his Betfair triumph means he is burdened with a 10lb penalty.
“He’s in good form, there are only five runners so he should go well. He was third in this race last year,” said Haverfordwest-based Bowen.
“He summered well, he did have a run at Ffos Las in August but he wasn’t quite ready and he was giving the best part of two stone to everything.”
Tamarinbleu, who was the half a length second to Snoopy Loop in the Betfair, receives 10lb from his old rival.
The nine-year-old usually runs well after a break and his trainer David Pipe is looking for a solid performance on his seasonal debut.
“He’s in good form and runs well fresh. He ran a great race first time out last year finishing second in the Betfair Chase,” said the Nicholashayne handler.
“He didn’t win last season so he hasn’t got a penalty. He should like the ground. Three miles one is probably stretching his stamina a little bit but he did everything bar win in the Betfair over three miles.”
The sole Irish raider among the five horses declared is Church Island, trained by Michael Hourigan.
The 10-year-old has been in good form this autumn in his native Ireland, finishing second in the Kerry National and fifth in the Munster National. And on one of his many visits to Britain he was a close fourth to Hennessy in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April.
“He’s a bit wrong at the weights, but he likes his trips to England and he’ll appreciate the good ground. He just wants it quick,” said the County Limerick trainer.
Ladbrokes make him the 9-1 complete outsider of the quintet behind 2-1 favourite Tamarinbleu.
Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, Ladbrokes bet: 2-1 Tamarinbleu, 11-4 Ollie Magern, 3-1 Deep Purple, 6-1 Snoopy Loopy, 9-1 Church Island.
