Rocky knocks rivals into submission

ROCKY’S Treasure galloped his rivals into submission in the bet365 December Novices’ Chase at Doncaster.

Kim Bailey’s charge won his first three starts over fences, bolting up at Kelso and Fakenham in October before completing his hat-trick at Wetherby last month.

He was a clear second behind the highly-regarded Santini on his most recent outing at Newbury and was the 11-8 favourite to get back on the winning trail in this four-runner Grade Two.

Jockey David Bass appeared keen to ensure the three-mile contest was a searching test of stamina, sending Rocky’s Treasure straight to the lead from the off.

Coup De Pinceau – bidding to provide Paul Nicholls with a fourth win in the last six renewals of this race – was his nearest pursuer for much of the way, but Bailey’s charge had seen him off rounding the home turn and the further he went, the further he went clear.

Theclockisticking came through to beat Coup De Pinceau to the runner-up spot, but passed the post some 17 lengths behind the emphatic winner.

Bailey, who was at Cheltenham, said: “I’m obviously delighted with him. That was a good performance and it makes you realise how good Santini is. I thought we were pushing it running again, but it was only a four-horse race and we had to have a go.

“He ran on soft ground at Newbury the other day, but he has always been a good ground horse. I should think we will possibly give him a break before coming back to Cheltenham in March for the RSA.

“I definitely think he gives the impression that he is better going left-handed, but all in all I’m delighted with him.”

Bass was similarly pleased, adding: “It’s brilliant. He’s a very tough horse. He’s just improved for fences so much. He ran a cracker behind Santini.

“We were hopeful coming here today, as long as that race didn’t take too much out of him.

“Fair play to everyone at home. They’ve got the horses in such good form. He was impressive. He jumps really well.

“We schooled him over fences last year and he wasn’t impressive. He’s come back this year and jumped brilliantly. Onwards and upwards with him.”