Setting The Scene
The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeplechase has quietly established itself as one of the most competitive staying handicap chases outside the major festivals. This £100,000 contest at Leicester attracts a stellar field of 15 runners, with the race serving as a perfect mid-April target for horses who've either missed Cheltenham or are building towards summer campaigns.
Named after the three-time Grand National winner, this race demands stamina and jumping prowess over the extended trip of 1m 7f 176y. The good to soft going should suit most of these seasoned campaigners, though it's worth noting Leicester's fences can catch out the careless jumper.
The Main Contenders
Inthepocket heads the weights on 12-0, and Henry de Bromhead's charge arrives with compelling credentials. The nine-year-old is a course winner here, which counts for plenty around Leicester's unique configuration. Mark Walsh takes the ride, and his partnership with the de Bromhead string has been profitable this season. The gelding's 146 rating reflects genuine Grade 1 ability, though he'll need to prove the handicapper hasn't caught up with him.
Hercule du Seuil drops down from the top table and looks well-handicapped on 11-13. Neil Mulholland's nine-year-old has been campaigned sparingly this season, which often signals a specific target. Richie McLernon knows this horse inside out, and the tongue-tie suggests connections are pulling out all the stops. His rating of 145 puts him right in the mix.
Brookie represents the Anthony Honeyball stable in tremendous form. This distance winner carries the same weight as Hercule du Seuil and brings solid recent form to the table. Sam Twiston-Davies has struck up a good partnership with the gelding, and his jumping has been exemplary of late. The tongue-tie is a positive sign from connections.
Boothill might be 11 years old, but Harry Fry's veteran shows no signs of slowing down. Bryan Carver gets on well with the horse, and his record at this trip is exemplary. The 11-9 weight looks very fair for a horse of his consistent ability, and his experience around tracks like Leicester could prove invaluable.
The Dark Horses
Sans Bruit from the Paul Nicholls stable deserves serious respect. Both a course and distance winner, he arrives on just 11-1 after what looks a lenient assessment from the handicapper. Harry Cobden in the saddle is a major positive, and Nicholls has been in red-hot form lately. This looks like a typical Nicholls plot, dropping down in class to land a decent pot.
Stencil represents the interesting George/Zetterholm partnership and catches the eye as the only five-year-old in the field. Sean Bowen takes the ride, and the hood suggests they're trying something different. His rating of 139 might underestimate his true ability, and the weight of 11-7 looks workable.
Going and Course Considerations
The good to soft going plays into the hands of the proven stayers, and Leicester's undulating track will sort out the genuine from the pretenders. The course has a reputation for suiting handy types who can quicken off a strong pace, rather than pure grinders.
Leicester's fences are fair but unforgiving, and several of these runners have question marks over their jumping under pressure. The extended trip means stamina will be at a premium, especially if they go a good gallop early on.
Course form is always worth respecting here. Both Inthepocket and Sans Bruit have won at the track before, which gives them a significant edge over newcomers to Leicester's unique challenges.
The Verdict
This shapes up as a fascinating renewal with several horses holding legitimate chances. The market will likely favour Inthepocket given his class and course form, but the weight burden is significant in a race like this.
My selection is Sans Bruit at what should be decent odds. Paul Nicholls has been targeting these types of races with laser precision, and this horse ticks every box. Course winner, distance winner, proven at this level, and crucially racing off what looks a very fair mark. Harry Cobden's booking is the cherry on top.
For the each-way players, Boothill offers solid value. His consistency is remarkable, and Leicester's track should suit his grinding style perfectly. At 11 years old, he's not getting any younger, but class is permanent.
Who is the favourite for the Red Rum Handicap Chase?
Inthepocket is likely to start favourite given his class rating of 146 and proven course form at Leicester. Henry de Bromhead's charge represents the top of the handicap but faces a stiff task giving weight away to quality opponents in a competitive field.
Which horses have the best course form at Leicester?
Both Inthepocket and Sans Bruit are previous course winners at Leicester, giving them a significant advantage. Course form is particularly important at Leicester given the track's unique undulating nature and testing fences that can catch out inexperienced runners.
What makes this distance particularly challenging?
The 1m 7f 176y trip is a true test of stamina, especially on Leicester's demanding track. The extended distance means horses need to combine jumping ability with genuine staying power, and the good to soft going will make it even more of a slog in the closing stages.
