Aon Chase 2011

3.00 Newbury

Aon Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus) 
Winner £22,804

Pick: What A Friend (win)

What A Friend: Impressive in his novice season, winning 3 out of 4 starts (not ready for the RSA at Cheltenham);Took giant steps forward on only 3 starts last season, starting with second to stablemate Denman in the Hennessy before landing Grade 1’s at Leopardstown and Aintree (where a below-form Imperial Commander unseated); Disappointing on comeback in Betfair Chase when holding head high but reported breathing problem and if over that, will have big say. 

Riverside Theatre: Reached a high level of form over hurdles and set to do big things over fences when hacking up on his first 2 starts as a novice; Made remarkable progress to come as close as fifth in Arkle last year, having been tailed off at halfway, so disappointing that he fell at Punchestown; Looked superb when coasting home at Kempton and only progressed further when coming second in the King George there last month; The one to beat. 


Dance Island: Well beaten behind King Fontaine in good handicap chase at Haydock before pulling up in the Welsh National; Has a lot more in terms of class to deal with here and passed over.

Ogee: Wasn’t too far of some classy novice chasers last season (Grade 1 winner in that sphere over hurdles) and ran well for a long way on his seasonal debut before being let down by fitness and mainly jumping in the latter stages; Has a lot more on his plate here but not discounted especially if getting easy lead. 

Fair Along: Well known and throughly likeable staying hurdler who's got some very good form over fences; Interesting coming over here although suspicion is that he's not at his peak at this stage of season. 

Mahogany Blaze: Thoroughly capable horse on his day who has been placed in very good races and ran near his best when third behind Tartak and Carole's Legacy 2 starts ago at Cheltenham; That shows his ability but jumping problems remain (unseated last time). 

Noland: Impressive winner of the John Durkan when last seen just over 2 years ago, having recovered from a pair of rather disappointing festival efforts in Novice Company; Came second to stablemate Pepe Simo in an AW Bumper, and should have come on massively for that; That wasn't the case when he was well beaten at Trials Day last time. 

VERDICT: Riverside Theatre will be the choice of many following his King George second, but WHAT A FRIEND is well worth another chance based on his 2 Grade 1 wins last season to amend a lacklustre showing when first seen this season.