Well, until I've finished compiling my NTF race guide for the Grade 2 contest I won't have a definitive answer to that. I can, however, point you in the right direction by giving you a look at the trends I'll be using for the race...
Charlie Hall Chase Trends
1 15/15 were aged 6yo-10yo
2 14/15 had previously won at Graded level
3 14/15 had no more than 19 chase starts
4 14/15 wore NO headgear
5 14/15 ran at a G1 track LTO
6 13/15 were making their seasonal debut (90+ days)
7 13/15 were rated 151+
8 13/15 were (GB) or (IRE)
bred
9 13/15 ran in a Chase LTO
10 12/15 had previously won at 3m+
11 12/15 had no more than 25 previous career
starts
12 11/15 had recorded at least 4 previous chase wins
I'm not looking for a perfect fit on the trends just a horse (or two) that is the best fit from the entries.
And I have to say this year's renewal looks a BELTER!
These are the entries...
Bristol De Mai - Cue Card - Definitly Red - Shantou Flyer - Vieux Lion Rouge - Blaklion - Coneygree -
Double Shuffle - Village Vic - Virgilio
Now the National Hunt game is REALLY firing!!
It's not just the Charlie Hall Chase that will be getting the full NTF Trends rundown as I'm also gunning for...
The JNWine Chase from Down Royal
The Bet365 Hurdle from Wetherby
The Sodexo Gold Cup from Ascot
The Breeders Cup may be
trying to hog the headlines this weekend but us National Hunt fans know better than that, the REAL STARS are on show this side of the pond, gunning for glory round Wetherby, Ascot and Down Royal!
You gotta love this time of the year, you really do...