2.35 Sandown
bet365.com Celebration Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner £28,505
Pick: Tataniano (win)
Tataniano: Won three out of four last season over fences,
his three wins coming by an aggregate of 51 lengths & fancied for Champion
Chase when romping home with Maghull Chase by 13 lengths; Satisfactory
reappearance at beginning of season before injury and major chance here now
recovery.
Chaininbar: Had a good season last year, with a wide margin
win at this Festival by 15 lengths in 2 mile handicap chase and also a win at
Newbury (both valuable events); Has a fussy side though, and refused to race on
both occasions at big spring festivals last twice, so cannot be fancied and in
any case, not good enough.
Cornas: Has had a very good season this year, winning Grade
3 on reappearance before two good runs in decent handicaps; Finally won again
at Sandown few starts ago in good race for the grade but outclassed in Game
Spirit/Champion Chase and outclassed here.
French Opera: Had an incredible season last year, winning 5
out of his 6 races and coming desperately close second in the Grand Annual at
the Cheltenham Festival (compensated with Grade 2 afterwards); Ran a shocker on
seasonal reappearance but put that right when bolting up in Game Spirit Chase;
Drop back to this trip will suit, although he has to improve on form so far
this season.
Oiseau De Nuit: Third in this race last year and in same
form again, arguably unlucky to lose at Aintree after nearly unseating his
rider at second fence, and was impressive winner of the Grand Annual Chase at
Cheltenham Festival; Can go well again.
Russian Flag: Proved up was indeed up to a better mark (134)
but maybe not better company when winning Wincanton handicap chase last time
(pulled up in Greatwood Gold Cup); Not fancied.
VERDICT: With the fast ground he craves, TATANIANO is a
confident choice to give Paul Nicholls his fifth Celebration Chase since 2001.
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