The Totesport Classic Chase takes place at Warwick on Saturday, and there are plenty who can stake a realistic claim. Paul Nicholls lightly raced 9 year-old Eurotrek (currently 9/1) could feature, after a resounding 25-length victory at Newbury last month. This victory, however, was in far more modest company and the 13lb ratings rise looks a little excessive. Another impressive winner last time out was Dead-Eyed Dick (currently 9/1). Nick Williams' runner turned in an impressive performance, beating well-fancied Toulouse Lautrec by 9 lengths at Exeter.


The one to be on has to be back-to-form Martin Pipe's gelding Joaaci. He's available at 3/1 (from 7/2), and with so many big-names out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a win here could see the 20/1 quote tumble. Joaaci won a high class event at Cheltenham on New Years Day, beating the likes of Lord of Illusion and Fork Lightning. The Pipe yard has dominated racing for decades and commands plenty of respect, so get on early as the price has already started to shorten.


One for the Each-way punters has to be Sir Rembrandt (14/1). He has been placed in the last 2 Gold Cups, and looked to be travelling well when he came down five fences from the finish in the Welsh National. Sir Rembrandt is a top class stayer, so the 3m 5f distance won't be a problem.




You Can Run But You Can't Hyde
One of the most competitive hurdle races of the season takes place at Leopardstown on Sunday. Escrea is currently 5/1 joint favourite with bet365, yet finished four lengths behind No Where To Hyde at Fairyhouse last month, in a race won by Feathard Lady. No Where to Hyde has been the subject of a monster gamble (currently 7/1 from 14/1) and should reward those who've already put their money down.


Another horse who has been backed this week (currently 5/1 from 7/1) is Victram. He looked all over the winner when well-fancied at Sandown last time out on heavy going, before running out of steam, finally beaten 4 lengths by Verasi.


Weekend Horse Pick

Joacci – (3.00 Warwick [Saturday])

No Where To Hyde – (2.20 Leopardstown [Sunday])