Double Ross weighted to deliver on Donny debut in Sky Bet Chase
Published:
David Metcalf and Jamie Clark | January 29, 2016
Double Ross is on a handy mark at present, so looks decent each-way value in a wide open renewal of the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster (15.15).
The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained gelding landed back-to-back competitive handicaps at Cheltenham in 2013/14 and also running a blinder to finish third to Taquin Du Seuil in the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Festival.
Double Ross was also far from disgraced when fifth of 30 to Ma Filleule in the 2014 running of the Topham Chase at Aintree off a mark of 152, but then failed to cut any ice in six starts last term.
Double Ross returning to form?
However, the 10-year-old has bounced back to form this season, chasing a home the well-treated Pendra on his return to action at Ascot in October before running a stormer to finish a 4 1/2 length fourth of 20 to Annacotty in an ultra competitive class 1 contest at Cheltenham off a mark of 153.
The latter is strong form which reads well in the context of this contest, and Double Ross is able to race off the same rating.
It gives the son of Double Eclipse, who was rated 160 at his peak, a big shout at the weights carrying 11st 6lb on his Doncaster debut.
Although Double Ross wasn’t at his best last time out in the Grand Sefton Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree, the return to to the traditional obstacles is likely see him in a far better light.
Course and distance winners aplenty oppose
Paul Nichols’ six-year-old Le Mercurey is the overnight favourite going into the Sky Bet Chase, and has 11lb on the selection, while previous course and distance victor Holywell carries top weight.
The Jonjo O’Neill gelding has only managed one win in his last seven starts, but is the highest rated horse on offer in this race and Holywell put four on the spin together prior to that – including at this venue.
Venetia Williams veteran Aachen has also delivered at Doncaster before, as well as Alan King entry Ziga Boy, but it’s Double Ross who represents a worthy each-way wager.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Double Ross looks decent each-way value in the Sky Bet Chase.
