Joaaci faces Classic test

Ante-post favourite Joaaci must shoulder top weight if he is to win the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

Martin Pipe’s improving six-year-old will carry 11st 12lb in the three-mile-five-furlong contest, for which 13 horses stood their ground at the final declaration stage.

The David Johnson-owned gelding is a general 20-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Pipe will also be represented by Control Man, while recent Haydock winner Double Honour takes his chance for Philip Hobbs.

Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented by Shardam, but not last year’s winner Baron Windrush, who misses the race after developing an infection.

The Naunton handler explained: “He’s fine but he’s just not quite well enough to run.

“We wanted to win and we didn’t think he was going to win, so we are not running him.”

The Robert Alner-trained Sir Rembrandt will be trying to bounce back to his best in the Grade Three event, while Paul Nicholls has left in 25-length Newbury winner Eurotrek.

Nick Williams will give Dead-Eyed Dick, who has won three of his last four races, another chance to shine at the Warwickshire venue.

Alan King’s dual-purpose performer Crystal D’Ainay, Glen Warrior and Artic Jack, who finished second behind Double Honour at Haydock, also line up.

Victory Gunner, Granit D´Estruval and Kittenkat complete the field.