WILLIAM HILL GAME SPIRIT CHASE - PREVIEW & TIPS
2:45 NEWBURY
WILLIAM HILL GAME SPIRIT CHASE (GRADE 2) (GBB RACE)
The Game Spirit Chase is one of Newbury’s defining races and a long-established test for elite two-mile chasers.
GAME SPIRIT CHASE - PREVIEW
The Game Spirit Chase is one of Newbury’s defining races and a long-established test for elite two-mile chasers, with a roll of honour that places it firmly among the most prestigious Grade 2 contests on the British National Hunt calendar. First run in 1953 and named in memory of the Queen Mother’s much-loved chaser Game Spirit, the race has consistently attracted high-class performers, including some of the outstanding speed chasers of the modern era.
Past winners such as Viking Flagship, Azertyuiop, Master Minded, Sprinter Sacre and Altior underline the calibre required to succeed here, while recent renewals have shown that the contest remains a searching examination of jumping, pace control and stamina when Newbury’s chase track rides testing. Run over just beyond two miles with thirteen fences to be negotiated, the Game Spirit often rewards those who can travel comfortably at speed while still seeing out the demanding final furlong, especially when the ground is soft or worse.
This year’s renewal brings together a fascinating mix of profiles, headed by an exciting five-year-old stepping into open company against hardened Graded performers and progressive handicap chasers. With heavy ground forecast, accuracy at the fences and the ability to sustain effort under pressure are likely to prove decisive.
GAME SPIRIT CHASE - RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE
MASTER CHEWY - 9/1
Last year’s winner returns to defend his crown and arrives in respectable form after finishing second in a Grade 2 at Kempton last time. He is proven at the track and over the trip and conditions should not trouble him, but he faces a stronger field than twelve months ago and must concede weight under a penalty. Still, if settling into a good rhythm early, he is capable of running a big race once again.
LULAMBA - 8/11
An outstanding novice who has looked a chaser of genuine top-class potential this season, most notably when winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown with authority. He possesses a potent blend of pace and scope and although still learning at his fences, his raw ability sets him apart from this field. Heavy ground should not be an excuse given his background and a clean round of jumping would make him very difficult to beat.
BROOKIE - 50/1
A talented chaser at his best and a Grade 1 runner-up last season, but his form this term has been patchy and he arrives here needing to bounce back from a disappointing effort. He has also shown a preference for better ground than he is likely to encounter here. Others arrive with stronger and more convincing profiles.
CALICO - 14/1
A rejuvenated ten-year-old who has enjoyed an excellent campaign, landing two valuable handicaps and earning his place at this level. He is clearly thriving and deserves his shot in Graded company, but all of his very best form has come on sounder surfaces. If he copes with conditions, he can make his presence felt, but this represents a tougher assignment.
LIBBERTY HUNTER - 13/2
Well suited by a stamina-sapping two miles and already proven in this race, having finished second twelve months ago. His ability is not in doubt, but recent jumping lapses have undermined his chance in stronger contests and that remains the key concern. If he puts in a fluent round, he has the talent to feature prominently.
MEETMEBYTHESEA - 18/1
An improving type who has done little wrong in novice company and clearly relishes testing ground. This is a sharp rise in class, however and he meets several seasoned Graded performers at level weights. He may keep on honestly, but this looks a stiff task at this stage of his career.
SAINT SEGAL - 5/1
Enjoying the best season of his career, with consistent and solid efforts that suggest he remains on an upward curve. He is tough, reliable and well suited by conditions and his recent form indicates he can cope with the demands of a strongly run two-mile chase. While he may lack the star quality of the favourite, he looks one of the most dependable alternatives.
GAME SPIRIT CHASE - FINAL THOUGHTS
This renewal looks set to revolve around Lulamba, whose Sandown performance marked him down as a chaser of genuine class rather than merely a smart novice. The Game Spirit has often rewarded horses capable of taking control of the race through pace and accurate jumping and if he settles into a smooth rhythm, his combination of speed and stamina should see him assert his superiority even against older, battle-hardened rivals.
The main resistance is likely to come from Saint Segal, who brings consistency, toughness and suitability to conditions, while Master Chewy commands respect as the defending champion with proven course form. Calico remains an interesting angle if translating his excellent handicap form into this higher grade, but he does have something to prove on heavy ground.
Overall, this race represents a significant moment in the season and Lulamba has the profile of a horse capable of adding his name to an honour roll that includes some of the finest two-mile chasers of the modern era.