Hi all,
In today's main piece, I wrap up my review of the weekend's events by delving into Navan's two-day meeting. Additionally, I've identified three noteworthy contenders to keep an eye on for the future.
However, first let's look at the final day of Cheltenham’s November meeting.
Cheltenham Sunday: Key Takeaways From The Card
On the concluding day of Cheltenham's November Meeting, all eyes were on the highly anticipated Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, featuring an impressive field of 15 runners in a fiercely contested betting race.
Another notable race on the card was the Grade 2 Shloer Chase, where the likes of Jonbon, Edwardstone, and dual race winner Nube Negra faced off in an eagerly anticipated showdown.
Jonbon: A Grade 1 Performance from A Grade 1 Horse
Jonbon kicked off his season with an impressive victory in the Shloer Chase, asserting dominance after taking the lead at halfway. Runner-up, Edwardstone, showed promise by making significant headway on the bridle into the straight, but Jonbon swiftly pulled away, leaving Edwardstone trailing after the second last fence.
Nico De Boinville, the new jockey for Jonbon, delivered a very positive ride, adopting a straightforward approach, acknowledging he was on the superior horse and riding accordingly. Despite Jonbon's regular jockey, Aidan Coleman, still recovering from injury, the performance suggests consideration for keeping Nico in the saddle.
There had been hints at a possible step-up to 2m 4f for Jonbon this season. However, after this compelling performance, the focus should remain on the 2m distance, setting the stage for another exciting clash with El Fabiolo.
Edwardstone is back on track after a poor end to last season. With an apparent need for more distance than two miles, he is expected to be stepped up in trip for his next run, likely in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon.
It’s The Tingle Creek up next for Jonbon and given he’s a Sandown winner I can’t see him getting beaten there. Last year’s winner Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone might just have needed the run but I don’t think he can reverse placings with Jonbon over 2m, if Nico is in the saddle.
It was an excellent 35 minutes for Jonbon's owner, trainer, and jockey as the trio joined forces to secure victory in the Greatwood Hurdle with Iberico Lord. The race, on paper, presented a competitive field and was ultimately won by the lightly raced, second-season hurdler, showcasing potential as a smart prospect for future races.
Iberico Lord Dominates Greatwood Rivals for Impressive Win
Lookaway, in the midst of improvement, led from the start and held the lead until the final half furlong, where the winner, Iberico Lord, surged ahead. The second-place finisher, Lookaway, displayed significant resilience, only conceding to the winner in the closing stages, leaving everything else behind. This was a cracking effort by Lookaway and on better ground he might turn the tables with the winner should their paths cross again.
Approaching the final hurdle, there was a moment when Iberico Lord's shorter-priced stablemate, Luccia, seemed poised for victory. However, Luccia couldn't match the final thrust from the winner and fell short of overtaking Lookaway in the run-in.
Fortunately, Iberico Lord was one of my two selections in the race, with the other contender, Nemean Lion, putting in a solid performance to finish fifth. He made mistake two out and at the last hurdle, hindering his chances. Without these errors, he could have potentially secured third place.
Onlyamatteroftime, who had veered off course approaching the last in his prior outing, was sent off the 7/2 favourite on his stable debut for Willie Mullins. Despite his form not justifying such short odds, the 7-year-old was positioned decently just behind the leaders on the inner. However, he repeated his tendency to run out, this time four hurdles from home. While he may be on a potentially winnable mark, he’s not one to take a short price about.
Trainer Nicky Henderson holds the belief that Iberico Lord has the potential to become a promising novice chaser in the future. Despite this anticipation, the victory in the Greatwood Hurdle provides a valuable win in the interim. The decision on whether the 5-year-old will transition to novice chasing or remains over hurdles for the current season adds an intriguing dimension to his future prospects.
Brechin Castle Emerges as a Strong Contender For Champion Bumper
Brechin Castle's triumph in the Listed bumper on Sunday's card showcased notable strengths. Displaying an impressive turn of speed on challenging terrain, he secured victory decisively within the last furlong. While tackling the Irish competition in the Champion Bumper at the Festival poses a greater challenge, he has undeniably asserted his claims for the race. The 33/1 available with William Hill look more than fair to me even at this early stage,
Navan Saturday: Four Performances That Stole the Show
Saturday’s Navan card promised plenty, and it delivered several good performances.
Captain Guinness
In the Grade 2 Bar One Racing Fortria Chase, last season's novices Dysart Dynamo and Saint Roi clashed with the more seasoned duo of Captain Guinness and Riviere D'Etel. Like last year's race, it was the latter pair that claimed the top two spots.
Despite conditions that seemed to suit Dysart Dynamo, who boasted a good record when fresh and went off as the 4/5 favourite, he appeared to need the run and couldn't match Captain Guinness' pace from two fences out.
The winner, showing the same solid jumping form as twelve months prior, not only secured victory but also widened the gap from Riviere D'Etel compared to their performance in the previous year's race. There's talk of his potential run in next month’s Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Despite falling short in Grade 1 chase company last season, it remains to be seen if that trend continues. Clever placement will be crucial for him to clinch a win in such competitive races.
Bob Olinger
Bob Olinger returned to winning ways in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle, showcasing his prowess over two and a half miles. While this distance suits him, its likely connections still have their sights set on the Stayers Hurdle for the 8-year-old.
His return to the winners' enclosure is a positive sign, and there's a sense that he might be able to get back to something like his best. However, the true measure of his abilities will be seen when he faces tougher competition. Personally, I remain somewhat sceptical, considering his victory came against Zanahiyr, who isn't exactly known for prolific wins and might perform better on firmer ground. We'll get a clearer picture of Bob Olinger's capabilities as he steps up to face stronger opponents.
Facile Vega
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (2m 1f) might not have been the most lucrative race on Saturday's card, but it showcased the debut over fences for both Facile Vega and Inthepocket.
Facile Vega, a four-time Grade 1 winner, marked his return to action over fences after a successful run last season, culminating in a victory at the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival. Despite some early uncertainties in his jumping, it improved as the race unfolded. Anticipated to benefit from the outing, a refinement in his jumping could elevate him to the status of a top-tier novice chaser.
I believe there was a bit of an overreaction in certain circles to his victory. It wasn't mediocre, but it certainly wasn't the second coming of Sprinter Sacre—nothing extraordinary. As of now, I wouldn't label him as a certain winner of an Arkle. Of course, that assessment could shift after his next outing.
We're still eagerly anticipating the chase debut of Supreme winner Marine National. However, if he can navigate the fences successfully, I'd still favour him over Facile Vega.
Inthepocket delivered an impressive performance, securing the second spot. This promising debut over a distance potentially shorter than his optimal best showcased his potential. I've already backed him for the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Saturday’s strong showing has seen him cut to 7/1 for that race.
What stood out in the race was the evident caution exercised by both jockeys to ensure their horses didn't endure a strenuous run on challenging ground, considering the long season ahead.
Stellar Navan Weekend for Elliott
Croke Park built on his success in a Clonmel maiden (2m ½ f) to win the Grade 3 Monksfield Hurdle (2m 4f). He demonstrated resilience and the longer the race unfolded, the more he asserted his dominance, ultimately finishing strongly. Anticipating further improvement, a potential step up in distance to 3m looms, offering promising prospects for the 5-year-old. With this notable performance, he’s has now entered contention for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Coko Beach Storms to Victory in Troytown Thriller: A Beach Party to Remember!
I preferred three of Gordon Elliott's 14 runners in the Troytown Handicap Chase: Hollow Games, Run Wild Fred, and Coko Beach. I went with two of them and I think you can guess the one I left alone.
Navan poses challenges for horses trying to make up ground, emphasizing the importance of staying close to the pace. Coko Beach showcased excellent positioning and once more displayed his strong jumping skills throughout the race. Taking the lead two fences from the finish, he maintained enough momentum to withstand the challenge from the mare Limerick Lace in the run-in.
Contrary to market expectations, Thedevilscoachman struggled to make an impact as he was consistently positioned behind and not jumping with any fluency. Winning from such a position, even with good jumping, would be difficult, and he couldn't overcome either challenge.
Three to Watch:
There are three for the trackers this week. The first I mentioned in yesterday’s review of Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Easy As That – Venetia Williams
Easy As That struggled to keep up with the early pace in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Despite the initial struggle, he showcased resilience and rallied in the straight, ultimately securing a commendable 6th place. Trainer Venetia Williams has suggested that she believes he requires a distance beyond 2m 4f. Starting the season with a favorable handicap mark adds to the promising outlook for Easy As That.
Chantry House – Nicky Henderson
Chantry House has failed to complete on three starts over fences since his victory in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January 2022. Making a return to the smaller obstacles after an 11-month absence, the 9-year-old showcased a resurgence in form, securing a 13-length 3rd place of 15 in the 3m handicap chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. This performance is expected to have cleared away any lingering rust and, hopefully, restored his confidence. A high-class chaser in his prime, there is consideration for him to compete in next month's Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. If a return to fences doesn't prove successful, there is the possibility of shifting focus back to hurdles with an eye on the Stayers Hurdle.
Stellar Story – Gordon Elliott
Stellar Story,a full brother to The Storyteller, a dual bumper winner last season made a winning hurdle debut in the 2m 4f maiden that opened Navan’s Saturday card. The 5-year-old showcased impressive galloping prowess, leaving his rivals struggling to keep up. There should be plenty more improvement to come from him and he looks the type who will relish a battle and a further step up trip. He can win more races this season and akin to his stablemate Croke Park (mentioned above) he appears to be a genuine contender for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.
Tuesday Preview:
The day's events are of a moderate nature, whether over jumps or on the all-weather. Despite the limited intensity, I have a couple of cautious preferences for this evening's Chelmsford card, highlighting the comparatively lower quality of the days jumps action.
Chelmsford
7:00 – Araifjan clinched his fourth victory at the course and distance, showcasing a strong performance with the reintroduction of cheekpieces just 11 days ago. This marked the 6-year-old's most noteworthy display since the conclusion of last year. Despite facing a 5lb increase in the weights, his history of competitiveness at higher marks suggests he should remain in contention and won’t be far away again.
7:30 – Street Parade gained a first C&D win when landing this corresponding race 12 months ago carrying a weight 10lb higher. Demonstrating consistent form in recent outings, he was unfortunate not to finish closer, possibly even win, when a 1 ¼ length 3rd of 7 to one of today’s rivals Josies Kid over C&D 11 days ago. Encountering difficulties with his run 1f out last time, he remains too well handicapped to overlook and he can hopefully gain compensation here.
Tuesday Selection:
Duke Of Oxford sustained my positive streak on the all-weather by claiming victory at Kempton yesterday evening, as advised to subscribers of Victor Value at 17/2. Now, it's time to shift gears and focus on navigating the jumps scene. That will have to wait for now as there’s nothing, I fancy over jumps today.
David Egan did the business for me on Duke Of Oxford and he rides today’s selection at Chelmsford.
Chelmsford
7:30 – Street Parade – 9/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John