The staying chasers return to centre stage at Wetherby on Saturday, and six go to post for the Grade 2 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at 2.55pm. The £100,000 contest over three miles is the traditional starting point for many of the season’s top staying chasers, and with the ground good, good to firm in places, it should be run at a decent clip.

All eyes will be on Pic d’Orhy, the 11/8 favourite with William Hill, who makes his debut for Dan Skelton 12 months after going down by a length in this race. His former trainer Paul Nicholls, a five-time winner of the Charlie Hall, responds with Hitman and Twinjets, while Ben Pauling’s Handstands and 2024 winner The Real Whacker complete a competitive line-up.

1. Hitman – Paul Nicholls/Freddie Gingell

Admirable performer who ended a three-year losing streak with victory in last year’s Old Roan Chase. There had been some big runs in the meantime, including when third in the 2023 Ryanair Chase to Envoi Allen. Form fell off quite dramatically after Aintree last season, but does go well fresh and has twice been second at just shy of 3m. Weights do not favour him, though, and he is seemingly the second string for Paul Nicholls.

2. Riskintheground – Dan Skelton/Robert Dunne

Has twice won Grade 2 handicaps, the most recent of those, at Haydock in April, ensuring he incurs a 4lb penalty here. That is harsh for a horse who has danced many profitable dances for connections. Looks likely to get his ground, but even in this weakish renewal, is up against it, conceding 4lb to all bar Hitman given his rating of 146.

3. Handstands – Ben Pauling/Ben Jones

Grade 1-winning novice chaser who won seven of his first nine races. They include the 2025 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase, in which he gamely fended off no less than Jango Baie, form which looks stellar now. Unfortunately, their subsequent profiles have gone in different directions, with Ben Pauling’s charge winless since. Did run okay in his first three races last season, though, with his best effort probably coming on his return. The ground could do with more juice for him, but this could prove a presentable opportunity if he rediscovers something.

4. Pic d’Orhy – Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton

Gallant veteran who has mostly excelled over middle distances. Won a Betfair Hurdle as far back as 2020, so long has he been around, but is still capable at a very high level, as seen when going down narrowly to Jonbon in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase in February. Had been second in this race a year ago when proving his stamina, but did also throw in two shockers last season. Changing yards to Dan Skelton may help, but he is not getting any younger aged 11.

5. The Real Whacker – Patrick Neville/Brian Hughes

Winner of this in 2024 when repelling Bravemansgame in his typical dour fashion from the front. Was fourth in that year’s King George before struggling for a time after. Has run twice over the summer to hint at a revival though, including winning a Perth handicap off 149 last time out. That is still a far cry from his glory days, but would not see him miles behind these. May be challenged too much for the lead though and will likely have to find another way to win.

6. Twinjets – Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden

Enjoyed a superb start and conclusion to the 2025/26 season for Paul Nicholls. Won his first two last term, including an emphatic Newbury handicap victory, before jumping let him down at Cheltenham and he sulked at Newbury. Returned to Berkshire with a good second in March, though, then went north to Ayr to win a hot 2m4f handicap off 147. Has won over 3m and proven form fresh, while the going is likely to be in his favour. Could slip the field under Harry Cobden.

Charlie Hall Chase Racecard

Joe Napier’s Charlie Hall Chase Selections

It has been 28 years since a horse aged 11 or older won this race, and 22 since one aged ten or older. History is against Pic d’Orhy (and The Real Whacker and Hitman by extension) despite the new Skelton runner maintaining a steady stream of high-level form last term. This looks a weaker edition than the one he was second in last year, so he should go close, but a revival from Handstands is possible, as is a big run from the class-jumping TWINJETS. His win at Ayr came in a hot race to end last season off top-weight and he was largely progressive. He shapes as though this extra distance will suit and Paul Nicholls will be keen to have him raring to go, having won this race on five past occasions.

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