Clan Des Obeaux looks Ascot’s star turn
King George winner out to stake Gold Cup claim Lisp’s credentials appear strong in Betfair Hurdle
Newbury’s loss is Ascot’s gain today when the track stages the rescheduled Betfair Denman Chase and Betfair Hurdle during a mammoth nine-race card, where King George winner and Gold Cup contender Clans Des Obeaux is a star attraction.
The six-day shutdown of racing caused by an outbreak of equine influenza meant that arguably Newbury’s biggest jump meeting of the season was lost last Saturday and with it went key opportunities for a prep race for a number of Cheltenham Festival hopes.
One of those was Clan Des Obeaux and connections of this progressive staying chaser will be delighted he has a chance to prove his Kempton victory was no flash in the pan. This event definitely looks a less demanding test now that Native River, who he would have met at Newbury, will head straight to Cheltenham.
Certainly, trainer Paul Nicholls has faith in his seven-year-old’s ability to build on his victory over Christmas, saying: “The King George was no fluke and he beat good horses. If he copes with Cheltenham I’m sure he has a great chance [in the Gold Cup], but we have got to get over Saturday first.
“His improvement from Haydock to Kempton was enormous. Harry [Cobden, jockey] had a great feel off him at Haydock as he said straight away he would ride him in the King George. Clan Des Obeaux went there and travelled well and jumped well. He jumped two out with his ears pricked and won very nicely.
“Everything about him at home is coming on physically and mentally and we are thrilled with him. He is seven now and he showed he can do what we thought he could do at Kempton.”
The Betfair Hurdle, too, has a different look to it from a week ago, with just 14 declared. The favourite, Al Dancer, is unbeaten over hurdles and well enough regarded to have Grade One novice hurdle entries at Cheltenham.
Preference, though, is for the battle-hardened Lisp, who continues to progress and is proven over this course and distance.
Waiting Patiently should repeat his Betfair Ascot Chase success of a year ago at the main expense of Cyrname.
Today’s best bet, though, runs at Wincanton, where Katpoli (1.10), who has been performing well in decent races, should relish a drop in grade.