Another frustrating result

It was the opening day of the Coral Winter Festival at Newbury - the Hennessy meeting to most of us - on Friday and local trainer Nicky Henderson had a productive afternoon with Impose Toi throwing his hat into the ring as far as the Stayers' Hurdle is concerned with victory in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle. The seven year old won the two and a half miles handicap hurdle at the same fixture twelve months ago off a mark of 134 before finishing runner-up in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March. Stepped up to three miles for the first time in a Pertemps qualifier at Aintree earlier this month, the ex-French gelding won in good style and took the transition into Graded company in his stride here edging out last year's winner Strong Leader. Given a confident ride by Nico De Boinville, he overcame a mistake at the last before wearing down Olly Murphy's charge close home to score by half a length. In a wide open division, the Seven Barrows runner is unexposed over staying trips and could emerge as a live contender next spring. However, I remain to be convinced he is as effective on stiff / undulating tracks. 

The Top 40 Prospects in OJA has endured a frustrating run during the last fortnight - most have run well but not winning. That trend continued in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices' Chase with Regent's Stroll filling third position. Runner-up at Grade 1 level over hurdles last spring, Paul Nicholls' charge spoilt his chance by racing too enthusiastically for nearly a circuit before being headed after the third last. Given the fact the six year old was too keen, it was a remarkable performance to be only beaten six and a quarter lengths by Wendigo. Despite the fact the commentator suggested 'he went out like a light' soon after the third last, Harry Cobden's mount rallied on the run-in and was staying on at the death - according to Race Iq, he covered the last furlong in 14.89 seconds compared to Wendigo (14.69) and No Questions Asked (14.84). On a positive note, his jumping was electric and he looked a natural. His trainer feels he will ultimately be a three miler but needs to settle in his races if he is going to give himself a chance of staying such a trip. The talent is undoubtedly there for him to develop into a top class chaser. 

While the fourteen times champion trainer didn't have much luck earlier on the card, Twinjets provided Team Ditcheat with a success in the two and a half miles handicap chase. In doing so, Nicholls was reminding the racing world that you can't keep a good man down, especially after the inane interview on Sky Sports Racing which was conducted with him soon after a couple of ex-Ditcheat inmates had dominated the finish to the opening two miles maiden hurdle. Form is temporary, class is permanent.