The fact that Colin Parker is a Listed race only underlines this. Look at the caliber of horse it can pull.

The last ten winners included later winners of the Grand National (Many Clouds), Ascot Chase (Patient Waiting) and Betfair Chase (Lostintranslation), a group that does not even take into account horses such as Ahoy Senor, Bristol De Mai, Corach. Rambler and Cyrname. These world-class hunters were all found wanting in Carlisle’s annual highlight event.

This is seen as a suitable starting point for building a chase towards bigger ambitions in season two, but that run may be missing an asterisk as Gray Dawning was pulled by Dan Skelton as conditions turned out to be quicker than ideal.

His absence provides a golden opportunity for the other four, whose BHA scores are as low as 137 (Top of Invoice) to a high of 146 (Marble Sands).

Marble Sands takes 6lb from lower scorers Colonel Harry and is the only runner in the squad eligible for the race. In these circumstances, David Killahena and Graeme McPherson’s runner is the man to beat and this seems like a smart line-up.

The final two all-weather spins at Kempton and Southwell should have cleared up any rust for this return to the chase and a solid surface fit.

Despite all this, Colonel Harry Traprain Law and Top Of The Bill needs to evolve to reach Marble Sands’ level, which isn’t ruled out as we’re still dealing with relatively inexperienced hunters. Of this group, only six-year-old Traprain Law, a fast two-mileer, will be of great interest if she stays on this long ride for Lucinda Russell.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Snowden believes the Colonel can lead from the front

Jamie Snowden hopes a strong seasonal reemergence from Grade 2 winner Colonel Harry can help his preparations for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury this month.

The seven-year-old, owned by The GD Partnership, which won Newbury’s flagship jumps race with Datsalrightgino last year, is making his first start after finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices Competition at Aintree in April.

Colonel Harry: Lambourn coach returns to action for Jamie SnowdenCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Colonel Harry won the Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby last season and Snowden said: “He’s in great shape and had an absolutely fantastic year last year. We’re building his early-season campaign very much around the Coral Gold Cup, so he needs it.” a preparation race as history states that the winner of the Newbury race had raced before.

“We are aware that the soil is drying out everywhere, but this seemed like the best opportunity for him and I am looking forward to seeing him.”

what do they say

Graeme McPherson, joint trainer at Marble Sands
We have long identified this race as his goal; The conditions of the race are going really well for him. The ground looks ideal, he won the previous ride well and is in good shape after a few spins on the Flat. He needs to run a really good race.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, coach on Top Of The Bill
He is very good and will run well. He’s a nice horse and did very well last season so hopefully he can have a good run.

Lucinda Russell, Traprain Law lecturer
He’s really good and I can’t wait to get him on the track again. His win came as a left-hander on difficult ground over two miles, but this will be a different test. If it works, it will pave the way for other races for him.
Report by Liam Headd

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