Boxing Day racing at Wetherby: Andy Gibson previews the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase

Andy Gibson gives an in-depth preview of the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby. Shan Blue is the early favourite for this Class 1 handicap chase. He won the Charlie Hall Chase in 2021.

Andy Gibson previews the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Shan Blue won the race, but it took less winning than most recent renewals. Kitty's Light finished second. Shan's last victory over three miles was in the 2020 Kauto Star Novices' Chase. He won by 16 lengths. Four horses that finished behind him on that day are yet to win a race in 24 attempts.

Into Overdrive is favourite for the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Andy Gibson is hoping his jockey will keep him well away from the inside rail. Shan Blue is the current favourite.   The Skeltons' recent tactics at the Witherby track suggest Shan blue will be taken wide.

Chantry House is the third favourite in the early markets. He has failed to complete the course in three of his latest four chases. Andy Gibson previews the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

Sounds Russian is second favourite behind Into Overdrive for the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day. He was outpaced last time out at Aintree but he finished closest at the line.

Fanion D'Estruval is a horse that is not worth a lot of money. He is unimpressive in his ability to jump big fences and stay with the field. Andy Gibson previews the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

Andy Gibson previews the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby. Aye Right has a tendency to drop out early in races. He has only come home in front once in his latest 13 chases.

Kalashnikov has not won a race since April 2019. Andy Gibson previews the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby.

Zanza is an inconsistent horse. He was raised 10lbs by the handicapper for his 12-length success at Newbury in November. Before that, Zanza had lost 12 races in a row.

Sporting John is the other runner from the Philip Hobbs yard. He last competed in a chase in April 2021. His only success came at Sandown in February 2021, when he beat Shan Blue by 3.3 lengths. Sporting John failed to complete the course in two of his other three chases and was beaten by 33 lengths in the third.

Lostintranslation has only won one of his last 12 races. His preference for a sound surface makes him difficult to manage in a competitive race.

Top Ville Ben has not won over fences since the 2019 renewal of the Rowland Meyrick. He finished fifth in the Charlie Hall Chase renewal in 2019 and 2021.

Windsor Avenue is another hit-or-bust type. He has failed to complete the course in four of his latest six chases. Last time out he finished behind Into Overdrive in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle and won a listed chase at Doncaster.