Bass steers First Flow to emphatic win

FIRST FLOW put up a remarkable performance to outrun a clutch of established Grade One stars for victory in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase at Ascot yesterday.

Kim Bailey’s nine-year-old mudlover was stepping up to the top level over fences for the first time, but extended his winning sequence to six – taking on reigning Champion Chase hero Politologue from a long way out and staying on to win by seven lengths at 14-1.

First Flow, ridden in trademark style by the dynamic David Bass, was also providing the popular Bailey with his first Grade One success since Master Oats won the 1995 Cheltenham Gold Cup for him.

Paul Nicholls’ 11/8 favourite Politologue led early, and First Flow was always his nearest pursuer – as the pair built up a sizeable lead over the rest of the eight-strong field in the back straight.

Relishing the soft conditions, First Flow (below) took over on the turn towards home and stayed on with great determination to repel all challengers, with Politologue second and Waiting Patiently just holding on for third ahead of the closing Fanion D’Estruval.

Bailey said: ‘You have to hand it to that guy on top, who knows him so well. We realised we couldn’t take on Politologue for the lead from the start, but

David took the bull by the horns. I was absolutely staggered because we both felt the ground wasn’t going to be soft enough and that if he had finished third he would have done very well. I admit I didn’t expect him to improve like that.’

The Champion Chase obviously enters the equation for First Flow, and Bailey added: ‘Regarding Cheltenham, I wouldn’t mind going back there. If it’s soft or good to soft at Cheltenham you would have to think about the Queen Mother very seriously.’

Bass said: ‘I have always seen him as a proper twomiler, and he has a touch of class and can handle most types of ground.

“I’m really pleased for the horse. He’s a real character, and a yard favourite.’