The Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle may only have the three runners but it is, nevertheless, a fascinating contest for a number of reasons. More Of That was favourite for the 2016 RSA Chase when finishing a disappointing third after reportedly suffering a bleed. Prior to that race he had earned his place as the hot favourite with impressive victories in his two previous chases. The interesting point today for connections of More Of That and Bristol De Mai is that Betvictor Chase entries will only receive a penalty for races won after 3oth October (according to my BHA British Jump Pattern And Listed Races Annual for 2016/2017). Therefore, an impressive victory today for either horse could seriously reduce their respective claims at Cheltenham in two weeks time. Similarly Seeyouatmidnight would be reassessed well in advance of his first possible early season target which might well be the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury should he prevail today. If he were to give 4lbs and a beating to More Of That who is rated 4lbs superior to him the consequences for his Hennessy chances will be obvious to all.
I cannot imagine the connections of More Of That wanting to accrue anymore weight for the Betvictor Gold Cup; however, if he were to narrowly beat the favourite on today’s terms his mark would most likely remain the same. Conversely, Bristol De Mai’s mark will be raised whatever the beating he may inflict on More Of That, providing they both complete and/or the runner up is not deemed to be most unfortunate in some way ( something like a last flight blunder when two lengths clear). More the issue with the Jonjo O’Neil runner, I would think, is that one cannot imagine him being given a hard time on his first run back after a break and after having bled; particularly when his target race is said to be only 13 days away. Presumably if he wins it will need to be a relatively smooth victory rather than after a protracted battle up the home straight. On the other hand, I would expect Bristol De Mai to be fit and ready to win first time out given that he is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies who almost always has his horses ready to roll first time out. All in all a fascinating contest and one to look forward to………
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