Pendil Novices' Chase 2012

4.10 Kempton

Racing Plus Pendil Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £13,326

Advice: 1 pt win Cristal Bonus (6/4 Sportingbet)

Zaynar: Had proven disappointing since promising so much as 4 & 5 y-o for Nicky Henderson over 2 years, ending up with current yard after being moved; Looked to be showing old sparkle when running out wide margin winner of Grade 2 event at Ascot in December; Creditable fourth under topweight in handicap there and never had a chance with Sprinter Sacre and co at Newbury but looks little exposed now(giving away weight), for all that he’s run well on last three starts.

Life Of A Luso: Looks out of his depth here despite decent summer jumping form.

Cristal Bonus: High class at his best; Successful 4 times in France but best effort  came in defeat (second) in Grade 1 at Auteuil; Didn’t build on that in two runs here last season but beautiful round of jumping on debut for this yard at Chepstow; Back onto good ground and up in class but got to be taking high rank here.

Duke Of Lucca: Very useful hurdler who was once bordering on top class in novice season; Jumped well enough on chasing debut at Chepstow but caught a tartar in Soilx next time out; Had decent rival beaten when he fell at Wincanton but struggled when put into a handicap and this no easier.

 

Minella Class: Useful over hurdles, winning on good ground here before hacking up in Tolowrth Hurdle on heavy; Not quite back to best since then, disappointing over hurdles twice before satisfactory debut behind class act over fences; Going really nicely before unseating in small but high quality novice chase and entitled to respect here.

Will Scarlet: Easily held on a line through Walkon (by whom he was a well beaten 46 lengths).

VERDICT: CRISTAL BONUS disappointed on his first two starts in the UK based on his French form but he looks worth another chance based on the deep impression he left when bolting up on his chasing debut. The ground will be very different but he’s going to be desperately hard to beat in that kind of form, although Minella Class has the makings of a useful chaser. Zaynar could hold a chance but he’s got to give 7lbs to his two market rivals.