Russell left to regroup after Ahoy Senor upset

LUCINDA RUSSELL was unable to offer an immediate excuse after Ahoy Senor’s disappointing return to action in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby when Bravemansgame avenged his Aintree defeat.

Having rounded off an excellent novice campaign with an emphatic 30-length Grade One victory at Aintree in the spring, the sevenyear-old was well-supported as the 11-10 favourite for his re-appearance in the first recognised Gold Cup trial of the season.

But while his old foe Bravemansgame flourished to confirm himself a leading contender for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, Ahoy Senor made a few mistakes in the jumping department under a positive ride and weakened from the home turn to finish a tailed-off last of five runners.

Given Ahoy Senor has previously beaten Bravemansgame twice at Aintree, and finished second to him in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton last Christmas, it is clear he did not run up to form – and Russell is eyeing possible redemption back at Aintree on December 3.

“[Jockey] Derek [Fox] said he was a bit fresh and a bit free. I’m just delighted he’s back safe, that’s the important thing,” said the Kinross handler. “He looks fine and we’ll see how he is over the next few days and see how we go.

“I think we’ll stick with the plans we had and go to Aintree next for the Many Clouds Chase.”

With Ahoy Senor failing to fire, the horse to finish best of the rest behind Bravemansgame was the Joe Tizzard-trained Eldorado Allen.

Paddy Power chopped Bravemansgame to 9-4 for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase and trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed the Christmas showpiece is very much the target.

He said: “He as good as any of them [his previous Charlie Hall winners]. Cheltenham threeand-a-quarter miles might not be his bag, but to me the King George is absolutely made for him. I’ve left plenty to work on for Kempton and he’s a very smart horse when he’s right.

“He’s one of the best we’ve had on the right track – his record says that, he’s right up there with the best we’ve had.

“You wouldn’t [rule out the Gold Cup] with horses like him, but our aim has been the King George, to get him at his very best for that and after that see where we go.

“[Jockey] Harry [Cobden] said that was the best feeling he’s ever given him today – he felt he was in third gear all the way round. He jumped and galloped all the way to the line, so onwards and upwards.

“Ahoy Senor obviously didn’t run his race today for whatever reason, but our performance was just what we wanted to see.”