MIX CAN ADD TO NICHOLLS HAUL
Paul Nicholls has made it his business to ensure the trophy for the Badger ales chase remains in somerset as often as possible in recent times and the 10-time champion trainer (below) again holds a strong hand with three contenders this afternoon.
MR MIX (Wincanton, 3.35), Present Man and southfield Theatre form a powerful assault on today’s feature chase, but with heavy rain forecast this morning two of Nicholls’ trio may find life difficult.
Present Man made giant strides last term, but ideally he needs a sound surface, while southfield Theatre, unlucky 12 months ago in this event when falling at the last, is another that would prefer ground faster than he is likely to encounter.
in contrast, Mr Mix is versatile when it comes to conditions underfoot and defends an unbeaten track record after an encouraging display here last month.
Jockey harry cobden, who this week landed the ride aboard cue card in the Betfair chase, produced a superb effort to score on the selection a fortnight ago and the duo look to have plenty in their favour once more.
Mr Mix was just a frame of a horse last year but the past 12 months have seen the grey son of al Namix develop, as evident when he powered to a defeat of Forgotten Gold last month.
The decision to ride Mr Mix with more restraint than usual certainly paid dividends last time and i hope he can follow in the hoofprints of The Minack (2011), Meanus Dandy (2010) and cornish sett (2008) by snaring this prize for his stable. it is guesswork to suggest Yala Enki is fit after a 231-day break but his stable is showing signs of emerging from their autumn slumber and today’s conditions look ideal for a horse capable of leaving his current mark behind him, given a reasonable test of stamina this season.
his record after a previous break of more than 160 days reads 213 and he cannot have the ground soft enough so is one of a number who appear big threats to Mr Mix.
The Flat season draws to a close in rather subdued fashion, but HAJJAM (Doncaster, nap, 1.0) could prove the answer in the competitive apprentice handicap, given that he has been running consistently and should relish the soft ground.