‘A repeat performance will see him close’ – analysis and key quotes to watch veterans

Current form is always a concern in chasing veterans, so Copperhead sure to be popular this afternoon.

There comes a time in every older horse’s career when he or she has had enough, but it didn’t come for him. Indeed, he seems to be having an awakening.

After going more than four years without a win, the ten-year-old who took the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot in 2020 has a hat-trick.

Although the jumps weren’t always fluent when he ended a 20-run losing run at Plumpton in May, there was no mistaking his success on his comeback at Chepstow a fortnight ago.

Even though this is a more competitive event, he is proving fit and remains 33lb under the BHA maximum rating, so looks sure to do well.

The only other runner who has been seen in the last 12 weeks is Diol Kerwho was drawn behind Copperhead, so anyone looking for an alternative to the favorite will probably have to take a chance on fitness.

However, Torn And Frayed’s first-time record and trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies’ typically strong start to the autumn suggest he is less of a risk than most.

He tackled the smart handicap company in 2023-24, cleared the low point of 2021 and is clearly weighted to run well.

North Cape he is also well treated, rated just 5lb higher than when he won at Perth in July and spoiled his chance with a heavy mistake at the first fence at the Galway Festival three weeks later.
Analysis by David Carr

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what they say

Henry Daly, coach of Rapper and Fortescue
It’s a great race to bring them both back and they’re both ready to resume their campaigns. The rapper should have fun there, but I’m afraid the ground won’t be soft enough for Fortescue.

Nick Scholfield, rider of North Cape
He won well at Perth in the summer and is probably big enough from 127 in a normal handicap, but would have a chance to top that mark in a veterans race. There is great prize money and these are great races to be involved in and I expect he will love the course.

Willy Twiston-Davies, Nigel’s assistant, coach of Torn and worn
Last year was not his season for one reason or another, but he came back to work nicely at home and hopefully he can turn a corner in the veteran series.

Joe Tizzard, coach of Copperhead
He is good. He returned to very good form last time at Chepstow. He has been knocking on doors for 18 months and has obviously regained his confidence. I think a repeat performance will get him close.
Report by David Milnes

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