SURF MAKES REAL SPLASH
ECLAIR SURF put his hat in the ring for the Grand National after galloping his rivals into submission when taking the Agetur Classic
Chase at Warwick yesterday.
The eight-year-old showed limitless stamina when making all the running in the hands of Tom Bellamy, adding to his trainer Emma Lavelle’s success in the 2014 contest with Shotgun Paddy. “He gallops, he stays, and it gives us plenty of options,” said Lavelle (below).
“Whether it is the National this year, we will have to see.
“In truth he’s a good jumper but he is always capable of belting one. It keeps Tom on his toes, that’s for sure!”
One For Arthur took yesterday’s prize in 2017 before following up in the National that year.
With no Stradivarius to contend with, former top-flight Flat performer Stag Horn showed that he is a class act over obstacles too when taking the Ballymore Hurdle in the hands of Nick Scholfield.
“There’s always a question over how these class Flat horses take to hurdling but he absolutely loves it,” said Scholfield.
“But I wouldn’t suggest where Archie Watson should take him next – he knows well enough himself.”
The Albert Bartlett Hurdle looks the obvious target at Cheltenham for this smart recruit who had finished fourth behind Stradivarius at Ascot last year.
Paddy Power and Betfair go 16-1 for the race in March for the son of the 2015
Derby winner Golden Horn. Threeunderthrufive was another to get his Cheltenham Festival ticket after making it four wins in a row in thewigley Chase.
Partnered by Adrian Heskin for Paul Nicholls, the gelding is clearly useful and is still improving.