Defi’s Tingle of anticipation
Altior may be absent, but today’s Betfair tingle Creek Chase still looks a Christmas cracker and DEFI DU SEUIL (Sandown, 3.00) can stamp his authority on the two- mile division with victory.
the versatile Philip Hobbs-trained six-year-old bucked the trend of recent triumph Hurdle winners by enhancing his reputation in a successful first season over fences, culminating in a stylish Cheltenham Festival success in the Jlt Chase.
the selection conquered the mighty lostintranslation that day with a degree of comfort and the form could barely have worked out any better with Jlt refugees Kildisart, Vinndication, real Steel, Capeland, Pravalaguna and Voix Du reve all winning subsequently.
there was plenty to admire in Defi Du
Seuil’s Cheltenham comeback, when he readily accounted for the admirable Politologue in the Shloer Chase with a ready turn of foot from the final fence to record a career-best display.
Given that Politologue had previously won on every other completed seasonal comeback, there is no reason to believe Defi Du Seuil beat a half-fit rival and it is worth recalling the former pushed Altior all the way in an epic Champion
Chase last March. the presence of another previous tingle Creek winner Un De Sceaux, successful in 2016, adds further glamour to a terrific contest, while Champion Chase-third Sceau royal and Janika represent owners Simon Munir and isaac Souede and look set for good seasons, too.
Waiting Patiently is another intriguing candidate now his yard have found some good form and, although he has plied his trade over trips in excess of two miles, his seasonal comeback record is exemplary, so he could well outrun his odds.
ONE FOR ARTHUR (Aintree, 1.30), winner of the 2017 Grand National, could roll back the years with a heart-warming success in the Beecher Chase following an encouraging Kelso comeback effort at the end of october.