Whacker Clan
Whacker Clan did well to finish third in the Kim Muir Chase. Quickly into a nice racing and jumping rhythm for John Gleeson in front, he had his field well enough stretched out from early, but he was harried in front by Demnat who actually headed him at the first ditch on the final circuit, fully eight fences from home. He was probably forced to go faster than ideal in order to retain his position on the front end and along the inside. He ceded the lead at the fifth last fence, and he made a slight mistake at the fourth last, but he was back on the bridle on the run to the third last and he was back in front on the run around the home turn. He was passed by Git Maker at the second last, and nothing had an answer to Inothewayurthinkin's finishing surge, but there was a lot to like about the manner in which Whacker Clan kept on up the hill to retain third place.
It was a fine performance by Henry de Bromhead's horse. It is probable that Inothewayurthinkin would have won regardless of how the race was run, he had so much in hand, but Whacker Clan's finishing speed of 95.83% of overall speed tells you that he was probably forced into going too fast too early. He handled this soft ground well, but he is probably better on better ground, so he will remain of interest as we move into the spring. He goes well right-handed, he won at Tramore last August and he was travelling like a winner in an Adare Manor Opportunity handicap chase in October last season on his only run at Fairyhouse when he came down at the second last fence, so he will be of interest if he goes back to Fairyhouse or to Punchestown, but he would also be of interest if he took his chance in the good staying handicap chase at Aintree's Grand National meeting. The handicapper left him on his mark of 131 and that is a workable mark for him.
Cheltenham, 14th March 2024
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