One For Arthur, One For Paul, And Elliott Has A Ball
Saturday’s major chase contest came with the 2017 edition of Warwick’s Betfred Classic Handicap Chase. It’s a long trip down to Warwick from Lucinda Russell’s Perth headquarters, but thanks to the eight year old, One For Arthur, it certainly wasn’t a wasted journey.
In a race which is often a useful trial for the Grand National, there was a lot to like about the bold jumping and stamina displayed by the son of Milan here. A hefty hike in the handicap is now in store, which on the plus side should be enough to get him into the National. For those looking to get on early, he’s a 33/1 shot for the big one in April.
Lanzarote Hurdle
The big hurdling event of the weekend was taken by a name synonymous with Saturday big race success, that of multiple Champion Trainer, Paul Nicholls. The talented but inconsistent Modus was the horse to put Nicholl’s name up in lights this time, in Kempton’s Lanzarote Hurdle.
Having alternated promising efforts with displays in which he appeared to have completely lost the plot, the step up to 2m5f for the first time appeared to work the oracle as he recorded the first win at Listed level in impressive fashion.
Dan Moore Memorial Handicap
Sunday’s big race came over in Ireland with this year’s edition of the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse. The sight of Gordon Elliott in the winner’s enclosure in the aftermath of these big events is becoming ever more familiar these days, and it was the biggest threat to Willie Mullins Champion Trainers Crown who once again took home the lion’s share of the prize money here.
Ball D’Arc had looked a slightly unlucky loser last time, but showed what he could do with a clear passage, pulling right away in the closing stages for a nine length success. Looking well suited to soft ground, he would be a live threat at the Cheltenham Festival in March should the rains arrive. The Grand Annual appears to be his most likely Festival option at this stage. A race for which he is rated a 16/1 shot.
Looking to Cheltenham
Sticking to Gordon Elliott and Cheltenham Festival plans; the County Meath handler faced a major blow this week as it was announced that the biggest of his many big guns won’t be making it to Cheltenham this year. Defending Gold Cup king, Don Cossack has failed to make the anticipated progress in his bid to return from injury and will now instead be allowed to enjoy a well earned retirement.
In a bad week for Gigginstown House Stud, Valseur Lido was also ruled out for the remainder of the current season. With two of his potential Gold Cup rivals now falling by the wayside, Thistlecrack continues to harden for the big one, with the Evens and Betfair the best price on offer.
Looking at the other Cheltenham Festival betting markets, perhaps the most striking performance – with an eye to the festival – came from the Ben Pauling runner, Willoughby Court. An authoritative success in Warwick’s Neptune Investment Management Novice’s Hurdle saw him trimmed into around the 16/1 mark for both the Albert Bartlett and Neptune Novices Hurdle.
With the six year old expected to improve for a further step up in trip, there may be plenty of takers for that Albert Bartlett price.
