STAGE SET FOR DIVA TO TAKE GREATWOOD GOLD
IT has not been a vintage jumps season for trainer Kerry Lee, but recent signs have been more encouraging and HAPPY DIVA (Newbury, nap, 2.40) can continue her resurgence in today’s Greatwood Gold Cup.
Recent victories for Kings Monarch and The Welsh Paddies have signalled an upsurge in fortunes for the Herefordshire handler and her admirable mare holds a live chance of plundering this afternoon’s feature in the capable hands of Richard Patrick.
The talented conditional rider enjoys a terrific rapport with Happy Diva, with 13 completed rides aboard the eight- year- old returning remarkably consistent form figures of 1123211212231.
Happy Diva was left alone by the handicapper for her gritty Listed chase defeat of Irish rival Magic Of Light at Huntingdon in January and it is worth noting the ratings aficionados have her two latest performances as the best of her career.
Her penultimate start at Ascot now appears a vastly better run than it did at the time with the winner, Cyrname, going on to destroy a select Grade One field in the Ascot Chase and earn the title as the top-rated British chaser, exceeding even the mighty Altior.
The prospect of a genuinely run event should play to the strengths of Happy Diva, a strong traveller, and conditions should be ideal.
War Sound has been the chief mover in the ante-post lists, having been as big as 14-1 earlier this week.
I can understand why the 10-year-old has been backed into morning favouritism as he prefers a flat track and has looked all at sea on the undulations of Cheltenham in his two most recent starts.
While his yard could be in slightly better form, War Sound looks a big threat to Happy Diva with the handicapper also offering him a little respite.
Of those at bigger prices, Javert could surprise as his record when completing following a break of more than 50 days reads 45111.
Emma Lavelle’s imposing chaser hasn’t been seen since finishing sixth in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham last November, but that race has worked out really well with the likes of Frodon (twice), Eamon An Cnoic and Happy Diva herself (brought down when travelling well) all winning subsequently — and he could go well.