CHAMPION IN THE MAKING Full steam ahead to Festival for Defi
IT WAS billed as a revenge mission for Un De Sceaux but Defi Du Seuil left nobody in doubt he is the superior horse when easily capturing the Matchbook Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
The last time the pair locked horns, Defi De Seuil had the verdict by a neck.
But yesterday it was two-andthree-quarter lengths – and it could have been considerably more had Barry Geraghty asked his mount for a bigger effort.
Un De Sceaux, bidding to take the prize for a record fourth time, dictated the gallop.
But Defi Du Seuil was always snapping at heels and approaching the second-last fence, Philip Hobbs’ superstar was given his head and victory was instantly sealed.
“It was not the plan to go quite so soon,” said Geraghty.
“But he absolutely flew it and landed running and away he went.
“He felt better a horse today than he did when last meeting Un De Sceaux at Sandown.”
Defi Du Seuil is now the 2-1 favourite to end Altior’s two-year reign in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Regarding taking on Altior,
Geraghty said: “He was electric out there so why not.
“He felt really sharp today – he was spring-heeled at the second-last and put it to bed.”
Winning trainer Hobbs said: “I could not imagine he would go and beat Un De Sceaux as easily as he did.
“But I’m not sure if it will be the Champion Chase or the Ryanair Chase next, although it does not make any difference as he’s a top-class racehorse and will take all the beating in either.”
Willie Mullins, responsible for Un De Sceaux, felt he may have got the tactics wrong as a stronger gallop would have suited his runner.
He said: “I thought the winner has improved and he won very well while we didn’t improve from our last run, so I was very disappointed about that but that is just the way it is.”
Former champion jockey Tony McCoy said: “Defi Du Seuil was very impressive for sure.
“I think it will be a tougher test taking on Altior but I can’t wait to see that match-up as the Champion Chase is my favourite race at the meeting.”
Earlier on the card, Magic Of Light made it back-to-back victories in the bet365 Hurdle under Robbie Power.
The mare will now attempt to better her second in last year’s Randox Grand National when she returns to Aintree in April.