31st-Dec-2022

I am backing Grumpy Charley in the Mandarin Chase.

Winner of three of his six races over hurdles, Chris Honour’s horse won a novices’ handicap chase at Newbury on his chasing debut last year, and he ran well to finish third behind King George winner Bravemansgame in another novices’ handicap chase at Newbury in February.

He was pulled up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March, and he was well beaten at Aintree, and he was pulled up on his debut this season, but, back at Newbury now, with his seasonal debut run under his belt, he could step forward again.

He has dropped down to a handicap rating of 135, 7lb lower than the mark off which he ran in the Ultima, and that is a mark that could under-rated him considerably.  He has raced only six times over fences, so there could be much more to come.

GRUMPY CHARLEY WON (ADV 6/1, SP 15/2)