The Peterborough Chase

Over recent years it's been a bit of a devil to know on which day of the week this two and a half mile chase will be run. I assume race organisers are pleased with the eleven lining up for tomorrow's renewal, as opposed to the two that lined up the year before (when the race was run on a Saturday). Many of this year's field have something to prove. On official handicap ratings confirmed stayer Snoopy Loopy is the top horse; ten years old, he has shown excellent improvement over recent weeks but the trip is likely to be too sharp. Alan King's My Way De Solzen would have a big chance if back to his best but he disappointed on a number of occasions last term for no apparent reason; on balance I'm not prepared to take the risk. Natal is a horse I've found difficult to catch right in the past although he warrants plenty of respect, especially at this trip. I'm siding with Monet's Garden. His seasonal debut at Aintree appeared below par but the very soft ground that day didn't help - if I remember correctly connections were toying with the idea of withdrawing. The better ground here will suit and I'm hoping the grey still retains all his ability.