Smith: Emperor might need run
Sue Smith believes Royal Emperor could be in need of the run if he lines up in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.
The highly-rated gelding is likely to take his chance in the Grade Two contest on what will be his first outing since the Scottish Grand National in April.
Last season’s Rendlesham Hurdle winner just lost out in driving finish at Ayr but still confirmed the impression he has made considerable improvement as a jumper when third to Run For Paddy.
The talented grey has also won twice at Wetherby, with his last success in the Grade Two Towton Novices’ Chase two years ago, but Smith warned he could be seen in a better light after the weekend.
“He summered really well and seems to be in great form with himself,” said the Bingley handler.
“He enjoys soft ground and likes Wetherby.
“It’s his first run of the season so there is a possibility he could need it a little bit.”
Royal Emperor is a 12-1 chance with the sponsors about winning the £90,000 (€134,100) contest over three miles, one furlong.
Martin Todhunter will play the waiting game as he assesses the likelihood of running Just In Debt.
A faller in the Grand National in April, Todhunter’s charge made an encouraging return to action when a staying-on third in the Kerry National at Listowel in September.
On Just In Debt lining up in the Charlie Hall, the Orton handler said: “It’s up in the air at the moment but the hope would be that the race cuts up to six or seven runners, as it invariably does.
“He likes soft ground, goes well left-handed and likes a flat track.
“We were delighted with Listowel but it was just a shame the weights went up.
“He’s fit and well and I’ve left him in there hoping it cuts up.
“I’ve not thought about a jockey but I believe Dominic (Elsworth) is booked up elsewhere (Iris’s Gift).”
Just In Debt, who has not won since November 2004, is a 33-1 chance to win the Charlie Hall.
George Moore believes the chances of Jungle Jinks sneaking into the frame are dependent on the weather.
The Middleham-based handler is hoping for a deluge of rain and subsequently heavy ground, which is likely to play to his 11-year-old’s strengths.
Jungle Jinks is something a course specialist and has won four times at the Yorkshire venue.
He also finished fourth to Ballybough Rasher in the 2003 renewal of the Charlie Hall.
Moore said: “He’ll definitely run but it would be nice if we have a few more really good showers.
“If they change it to heavy I imagine it will cut up a hell of a lot as a lot of those good horses won’t want to be risked when it’s like that.
“He absolutely loves it around Wetherby and has done so well for us.
“You need to be a really good jumper around there, especially if the ground is soft or heavy, and mine certainly is.
“He’s had a good summer and looks a picture.”
Barry Keniry will take the ride aboard Jungle Jinks on his first run since March.
Wetherby clerk of the course James Sanderson revealed the ground at Wetherby has been hit by an inch of rain in the last 24 hours.
He said: “The going is currently soft, heavy in places.
“We’re expecting it to stay fair through to Sunday now, so we should start with soft ground on Friday.
“I would expect it to dry out as the meeting progresses.”
Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase
Sponsors bet: 4-1 Star De Mohaison, 5-1 Our Vic, Lacdoudal, 6-1 Monkerhostin, 13-2 Kingscliff, 8-1 Neptune Collonges, Take The Stand, 9-1 Iris’s Gift, 10-1 Ollie Magern, 12-1 Royal Emperor, Sir Rembrandt, Church Island, 16-1 Bewleys Berry, 33-1 Leading Man, Just In Debt, 40-1 Jungle Jinks, 50-1 Mr Fluffy, 100-1 Jaloux d’Estruval
