King set for fruitful Raid
ULZANA’S RAID (Cheltenham, nb, 3.15) is viewed as a potentially classy chasing prospect by handler Alan King, but he looks capable of pocketing a couple of decent paydays over hurdles before then.
A hard-fought triumph at today’s venue i n October earned t he five-year-old a 7lb rise from the handicapper, an increase which may put some punters off his chance.
However, the son of Bach could still be attractively treated if he continues to progress i n handicaps i n the manner he has done to date and, given his margin of victory is rarely a significant one, the selection may still be one step ahead of the assessor.
Jockey Wayne Hutchinson shrewdly took a wide course to find some better ground on the gelding’s reappearance and there should be more to come now he steps back up to three miles.
Vintage Vinnie could be a popular choice to win the class three handicap, but GOOHAR (Cheltenham, 1.40) should prove a tough adversary.
Henry Daly’s charge l ooked as though his reappearance at Exeter would bring him on physically and I expect to see a sharper horse today with that run under his belt.
The selection’s yard has found some form in recent days and the testing nature of the New Course at Cheltenham should play to his strengths.
Meanwhile, Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Caid Du Berlais heads a final field of 13 for the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham tomorrow. One of his rivals will be Tatenen and trainer Richard Rowe reports the 10-year-old, who was as good as ever in the spring, to be in good shape ahead of tomorrow’s feature.
Rowe said: ‘Tatenen’s preparation has gone well and I am really happy with him. We have had this race in mind for him and the plan was always to run at Sandown and then come on to Cheltenham for this race.’ PHILIP FENTON has withdrawn an appeal against the severity of a three-year suspension from training imposed by the Turf Club in Ireland. Fenton was found guilty of possessing anabolic steroids and other banned substances at a district court hearing in October and learned the extent of his ban at a Turf Club hearing on November 22.
The Cheltenham Festival-winning handler originally said he would contest the decision, but he has now withdrawn his appeal, which was due to be heard on Tuesday.