Happy Diva can land the spoils

HAPPY Diva can earn her plaudits in the William Hill Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury this afternoon.

Kerry Lee’s eight-year-old, one of the most admirable and consistent mares in training, was rewarded for her sterling previous efforts this term with a Listed win at Huntingdon in January. That was against her fellow mares, and she is back in open company for today’s feature handicap.

But Happy Diva, out of the first three just twice in 24 starts when completing over the past four years, has been competitive at a high level throughout the current campaign.

She was one of several who could claim a hard-luck story in Cheltenham’s BetVictor Gold Cup, the first big handicap chase of the season back in November, in which she was brought down when still going well.

Only the remarkable Cyrname has truly put her in her place since then in three subsequent outings.

There is surely no opponent of that calibre this time and Newbury’s flat, galloping two and a half miles will play to her uncomplicated strengths.

There is no shortage of plausible opposition, led by the well-backed but occasionally clumsy War Sound and including Warriors Tale and Dolos for Paul Nicholls – the latter in Cyrname’s colours.

Further down the bookmakers’ lists, the returning Gala Ball – for War Sound’s trainer Philip Hobbs – and Emma Lavelle’s Javert merit respect. But it is Happy Diva who has most in her favour.

Hobbs’ lightly-raced ten-year-old Perform has good prospects of an overdue win in the William Hill Supporting Greatwood Veterans’ Handicap Chase.

It is slightly off-putting that Perform has raced just once previously left-handed over fences – and fared poorly on that occasion, but Newbury’s long straight should suit his grinding style, and he is in off a light weight here despite knocking on the door against useful opponents.

At Doncaster, Rocky’s Treasure and Danse Idol can make the most of a clear run without the attentions of their respective recent conquerors.

Danse Idol has twice been outpointed on soft ground of late by the talented Queenohearts, but does not have to worry about Stuart Edmunds’ charge in the 888Sport Take ‘Em On Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

A sounder surface may well suit too, and will be to the liking as well of Rocky’s Treasure in the 888Sport Grimthorpe Handicap Chase.

This established Grand National trial may well be won this time by a horse who will have to wait until next year at least to prove himself in the Aintree marathon. Rocky’s Treasure could never get into a jumping rhythm at Warwick, and was no match at all for Ok Corral. But he broke the three-mile course record on his previous run here, and the extra distance ought to suit.