The Grimthorpe handicap chase is one of the highlights of the winter jumping season.

It has been won by some very good horses such as The Last Samurai & Definitly Red. Definitly Red & Saint Xavier are committed to run at Kelso if that racecard goes ahead according to their trainers which will reduce the field down to 9 runners. The horse I like is Captain Chaos has a great chance here if re-producing his effort when runner up in the Classic Chase at Warwick. He set a ferocious pace that day, jumping like a buck up front with only the dour stayer Kimberlite Candy able to reel him in up the long Warwick straight.

In the end Captain Chaos’ stamina gave way over 3m5f. The drop in trip of 3 furlongs this afternnon is sure to suit. The handicapper has left him alone on a rating of 134. Brigit Andrews rode him when runner up in the Rehearsal chase at Newcastle earlier this season and rides today with Harry Skelton on duty at Newbury. Captain Chaos is set to carry 10-13 which is a positive as 8 of the past 9 winners carried 11 stone or less.