Djakadam is the one with golden future
HENNESSY Gold Cup winner Many Clouds looks worthy of taking his place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but the one I took from the race was Djakadam even though he finished eighth.
he is a gorgeous, progressive horse and I am a big fan. The ground was a bit too soft for my mount, Triolo D’Alene, who was pulled up. On that going, over three and a quarter miles in a competitive handicap at newbury, you need to have had a run under your belt or be very fit.
Djakadam, on his seasonal debut, travelled well until fading in the last two furlongs. he looked like a horse who would improve an awful lot for the run. he might have been very unlucky at last season’s Festival when he fell, and the fact that trainer Willie Mullins (right) pitched him into a race like the hennessy tells you a lot.
Venetia Williams’ hennessy runner- up houblon Des Obeaux also ran a great race but appreciated the soft ground and you would have to question whether he would be as effective on better ground when assessing future prospects.
I am looking forward to riding Bobs Worth in Leopardstown’s Lexus Chase on December 28. he won it last year like a class horse. For me, it was as good a run as his 2013 Gold Cup win.
I’d like to think my possible mount simonsig would be good enough to make the frame in the big Christmas chase in Britain, the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. But, even if he is ready to run, I’m not sure it is the right option for him, for a first race of the season.
Paul nicholls-trained silviniaco Conti looks a worthy favourite to win for a second year. he won haydock’s Betfair Chase like a horse who had a bit in hand.