- Monday, 11 March 2013 16:56
- Written by David Pipe
That is not to suggest that I think his stamina is suspect. He has already proven himself over three miles with decisive victories in the Grade One Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and over hurdles in the Fixed Brush Handicap at Haydock, although granted they are both quick tracks. Historically though, there is no evidence to suggest that going for a shorter event in a horses’ novice campaign is a bar to success over further later on – see former Arkle winner Tidal Bay or runner-up Kicking King (who went on to win a Gold Cup), while last year’s Jewson winner Sir des Champs is vying for favouritism for this year’s centrepiece.
Going into the four days of the Cheltenham Festival I am pleased with the form of our horses. While we didn’t hit the mark at the weekend, both Tanerko Emery and Kazlian ran great races in defeat in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday. Kazlian ultimately finished third but looked likely to land the prestigious prize before clattering through the penultimate hurdle, while Tanerko Emery stayed on strongly from the rear to finish second under top-weight. They were subsequently raised 6lbs and 4lbs by the handicapper respectively. Kazlian may miss the cut at Cheltenham, although Tanerko Emery has entries in the Coral Cup, County Hurdle and Martin Pipe and could well turn out again in one of those.
Talking of the Imperial Cup, I was disappointed that we were unable to get into the race with Home Run who had been first reserve for the race. I understand the reserve scheme can cause complications with betting on the event, but they manage a much better system in Ireland. Over here we declare the horses at the 48 hour stage (in this case Thursday morning) and the reserves get a chance to run if one of those declared runners is pulled out before 9am on the day prior to the event (Friday). You can understand my frustration then that despite everyone standing their ground on Friday, no fewer than five horses were withdrawn on the day of the event. This wouldn’t happen in Ireland where the reserves still get the opportunity to run right up until the morning of the race…isn’t it about time we adopted the same flexible attitude to these big races?
We will have four runners on the first day of Cheltenham tomorrow, with His Excellency taking his chance in the Arkle, The Package and Poole Master contesting the JLT Handicap Chase and Swing Bowler lining-up in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle. While it is a big ask to beat Simonsig or Overturn in the Arkle, His Excellency is a high class individual in his own right and has run well over course and distance previously. He should appreciate the end-to-end gallop and is rated superior to a number of those ahead of him in the betting, so is certainly worthy of his place in the line-up.
It is a big ask too for Swing Bowler who will bid to stop the mighty Quevega from landing an incredible nap hand of wins in the mares’ race. However, you can never be scared of just one horse and our mare is still improving and there is very little between the remainder of the principal runners on official figures.
The Package will have his final start before the Grand National in the JLT – a race in which he has already been placed twice previously. While higher in the weights this time around following his great success in the Badger Ales and fine fourth in the Hennessy, he is in good order and should go well again. Our other runner, Poole Master steps up in trip to three miles for the first time. He has shaped on occasion as if he wants this sort of trip and if able to replicate the best of his hurdle form over the new distance, he wouldn’t be without a squeak.
We will target Ballynagour at the Byrne Group Plate, a race we won last year with Salut Flo and in 2010 with Great Endeavour. Shoegazer will also take his chance and will be partnered by Noel Fehily, who was aboard when successful on his latest start at Fontwell . He has been in marvellous form this season, winning five times over fences. I hope that one of these can make it three wins in the race for the stable.
One who will not be going to Cheltenham is Edmund Kean, who finished third in the valuable EBF Final at Sandown on Saturday. He has had a good first season for us, winning on a couple of occasions andhe will now go on his holidays. He will be a lovely chaser for next season.
For the latest on the remainder of my runners through the Cheltenham Festival, keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat, while you can also follow me on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing
A reminder for those interested, all entries for Cheltenham can be viewed on the Racing Post's Cheltenham site
