Turf Talk: Wakanda well-equipped to end losing streak at Doncaster

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies (right), who finished second, is shot from the saddle on Fago as he challenges eventual winner Wakanda and Danny Cook at the final fence in the bet 365 Handicap Chase at Wetherby in October 2015. PIC: John Giles/PA Wire

Wakanda can end a lengthy losing streak that stretches back to 2015 with victory in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.

Sue Smith’s runner has not won since lifting a Listed chase at Ascot in December that year, but that is not to say he has been out of form in the interim.

Indeed the nine-year-old has been battling away with plenty of credit, falling just short of victory on more than one occasion, most recently when chinned on the line at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

He got into a duel with his stablemate Delusionofgrandeur that day and, having bested him by a neck, the lighter-weighted Get On The Yager swooped late to win by a head.

Coneygree hoping to breathe new life into career.

Wakanda started off on a mark of 144 that day and lines up here off 145, which actually puts him 2lb well in following the handicapper’s reassessment. He should certainly give his backers a run for their money, particularly as all ground seems to come alike to him.

The BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase is the highlight of Cheltenham’s trials day and it could pay to give Coneygree one last chance in the main event.

Winner of the Gold Cup itself in 2015, he has suffered plenty of troubles since, with a breathing problem this season the latest in his catalogue of issues.

He has been pulled up on each of his two starts this term, with his most recent effort in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury particularly disappointing.

Beer Goggles, ridden by Richard Johnson, on the way to winning the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in December. PIC: Tim Goode/PA Wire