Game Spirit Chase Tips: Edwardstone To Bounce Back

With the weather once again causing havoc in Britain and Ireland this weekend, the going at Newbury for their Super Saturday looks sure to be very soft or heavy. That would slow some horses down, but probably won't in this burn-up of a Game Spirit Chase. With plenty of pace on, Billy Grimshaw thinks everything is in place for Edwardstone to bounce back...
This race will be all about pace. Editeur Du Gite has never run a good race when not bowling along from the front, Calico is in the same mould - and could well have his chance scuppered early if attempting to lay up with the other front runners - and Amarillo Sky is not quite as steadfast in his tactics but likes to get on with things. The two time winner of this race Funambule Sivola is also tactically versatile but made all to claim glory in this last year and will have quite a job on to do that again. There is also the negative for him that his form has fallen off a cliff this season, and while Venetia Williams' stable form has recovered somewhat from a lull this horse is hardly one to inspire great faith, for all his Newbury record (1-2-1-1) is excellent.
In this six runner field, the fact I believe there will be a pace smash up and four of the horses should be involved in that helps to narrow the field somewhat, which is always a welcome relief. The trouble is, the two hold up horses who should benefit from the way this race is set to be run are the market leaders! Boothill is relatively lightly raced for a nine year old and will have plenty of supporters given the fact that barring his mishap at Kempton last time out, when he would surely have gone close, he is a remarkably consistent jumper and could still have improvement in him.
It is unlikely EDWARDSTONE has much more improving to do, but he sets a fair standard in here and back down at two miles I think he is the one they all have to beat. Don't forget, this is a horse that was heavily fancied for a Champion Chase last season and while it is a bit concerning that he has had a light campaign when Alan King used to declare he thrives on his racing, he still warrants his spot as market leader.
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Despite his race costing mistake in the Clarence House, there is no doubting Jonbon is on the podium (probably with a silver round his neck) for the best two mile chasers around right now and Edwardstone has only been beaten by that Seven Barrows inmate over his preferred distance this season. He actually ran a very good race to finish just a couple of lengths back in the Tingle Creek, a race we know he loves, at Sandown and if forgiving him his loss over 2 and a half, he is by far the most likely winner in this.
In the aforementioned Kempton race on his first try at the intermediate trip, Edwardstone pulled far too hard and was clearly unsettled by the sedate - in comparison to what he is used to - pace being set by the leaders. He had no chance of catching Pic D'Orhy or Banbridge after exuding so much energy early doors and consequently trailed home some 25 lengths back in fourth. This will create doubt in the minds of many about the horse's attitude and love for the game moving forward, but for me it actually proved the fire still burns bright as he was itching to get on with things.
With the front runners in here promising to go a rapid pace, Edwardstone should feel much more at home and I anticipate we will see both him and Boothill usurp the prominent horses towards the last before a battle up the finish. On all known form, Edwardstone should come out on top.