TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase Odds: Crebilly market leader for Jonjo O’Neill

Arguably the most open race of Thursday’s offerings at Cheltenham, the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (16:10), has the potential for a big-priced winner. Over two-miles-four-and-a-half-furlongs Crebilly is certainly the one to pick out, with Jonjo O’Neill Jr on board the favourite.

Betfred are offering five places instead of four for the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, which gets underway at 16:10 on Thursday. 

Crebilly (Jonjo O'Neill/Jonjo O'Neill Jr) 10/3

Let’s start with the market leader. Crebilly has all the attributes to go well here, having pushed Ginny’s Destiny all the way here in November, before falling at the last. He looked superb at Exeter on heavy ground last month, beating Tahmuras and Trelawne over 2m3f. The O’Neill’s are full of promise for the seven-year-old. 

Theatre Man (Richard Bandey/Harry Cobden) 9/2

A promising talent still with something to prove. Harry Cobden will be hoping Theatre Man can produce the goods after two solid efforts over 2m7f. He raced up the hill in style in January when finished second and will certainly be a contender here. 

Saint Felicien (Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy) 17/2

After 612 days out following the 2022 Coral Cup, Saint Felicien has slowly but surely been returning to form. Up 3lb isn’t ideal here having won last time out at Gowran Park on heavy ground, but Saint Felicien should be in the running and is certainly open to improvement. An interesting prospect for sure. 

Shakem Up'arry (Ben Pauling/Ben Jones) 9/1

The ever-popular Shake Up’arry is back in action here, having finished third in this race in 2023. He’s got a huge amount of experience, but is 4lb higher than he was 12 months ago. Would be a hugely popular winner if he can get past the post first. 

In Excelsis Deo (Harry Fry/Johnny Burke) 11/1

Not a horse that has won often, but one that has put in several decent performances. Made a winning start for this yard at Hereford in December 2022 and while 0-6 since, has run some fine races in defeat, including behind progressive Madara here in December. Was going strongly only to unseat at the final fence last time out at Sandown.

James Du Berlais (Willie Mullins/Daryl Jacob) 12/1

Willie Mullins is having a fine week, and James Du Berlais is a contender in my eyes. Graded winning hurdler in France but just a Fairyhouse beginners' chase on his CV since joining this top team. Far from disgraced in ultra-competitive Leopardstown handicaps in last two outings but 3lb higher here without winning.

Glengouly (Willie Mullins/Danny Mullins) 12/1

Good stamina is Glengouly’s best trait, having beaten Telmesomethinggirl in a beginners chase at Thurles in December 2022. However since then we’ve seen three poor runs across 2023, and for that reason I’d steer clear on this occasion.  

Il Ridoto (Paul Nicholls/Freddie Gingell) 14/1

I like the look of Il Ridoto. He doesn't have the best strike-rate (2-17) over fences but he has posted three really good efforts here this season in top handicaps before being held last time over 3m at Kempton. Could go well with 5lb off but there are some question marks over his stamina. If he can stay the course, he will be right up there. 

Arctic Bresil (Henry de Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore) 14/1

Rachael Blackmore is on board Arctic Bresil here, and although he’s made just the three starts over fences and is winless, he has run well and each of those contests. A reliable runner, and in decent nick, he won’t be far off here, but will need to handle the step up to win this one. 

Riaan (Gordon Elliott/Danny Gilligan) 16/1

A Wexford winner over 2m4f in August, Riaan showed fighting spirit when second to Heart Wood at the Dublin Racing Festival handicap in February. 5lb higher here, but Gordon Elliott has a contender on his hands. 

Other runners

Frero Banbou (Venetia Williams/Charlie Deutsch) 22/1

Watch House Cross (Henry de Bromhead/Darragh O'Keeffe) 22/1

Fighter Allen (David Pipe/Jack Tudor) 28/1

Life In The Park (Henry de Bromhead/Mikey O'Connor) 28/1

Killer Kane (Joe Tizzard/Brendan Powell) 33/1

Mars Harper (Gordon Elliott/Jordan Gainford) 33/1

Hereditary Rule (John McConnell/Ben Harvey) 40/1

Straw Fan Jack (Sheila Lewis/Sean Houlihan) 40/1

Torn And Frayed (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies) 40/1

Embittered (Gordon Elliott/Rob James) 50/1

Ciel De Neige (Ben Haslam/Richie McLernon) 66/1

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