3.20 Cheltenham Festival (Day 2, Race 4)
Mail De Bievre: Very smart form in France, winning Graded
chases including Prix Murat by 8 lengths, and very respectable comeback when
tanking along for two thirds of Denman Chase (3m, heavy) at Newbury; Obviously
this much sharpest test but went with more than enough zest to suggest that he
could handle 2m around here and of interest even if not upto the class of
Sprinter Sacre.
Sanctuaire: Looked to be the main rival to Sprinter Sacre
after his Celebration Chase romp last year, but overdid the front running
tactics when the two met in Tingle Creek at Sandown and while his Grade 2 win
shows his talent, no chance of overturning that form here today either.
Sizing Europe: Won this in emphatic style to follow up his
Arkle win (2011 Festival) and only defeat in 9 subsequent races came at hands
of Finian’s Rainbow last year; As good as ever since and looks the main threat
to the favourite on form even at his old age.
Somserby: Festival regular, although he’s never quite shown
the form there he has at Ascot; (Third, second, fifth and seventh (Ryanair) at
the last four festivals); Needs to be on peak form for place and others make
more appeal.
Sprinter Sacre: One of the best novice chase campaign seen
for years last season, unbeaten in 5 with aggregate victory margin of 66
lengths, producing stunning performance in Arkle to top the lot here; Done
nothing to suggest his dominance could be challenged when strolling to Tingle
Creek win, his much anticipated duel with Sancutaire a non-event thanks to that
one overdoing it on the front; Brilliant once again when winning rescheduled
Victor Chandler Chase and should win easily once again.
Tataniano: Very good novice at the peak of his powers )won
Aintree Grade 1 with ease in 2010) but below that form since and needs a lot to
get more involved.
Wishfull Thinking: Breathing problems halted him badly in
last two years but successful on two of his four starts this term, impressive
when giving 6lbs to French Opera in Game Sprit chase latest; Can get involved in
race for second even though today tougher.
Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (Class
1) (5YO plus)
Winner £208,300
Advice: 3 pts Sprinter Sacre to win by 8 or more lengths (10/11
Paddy Power), 1 pt Sprinter Sacre – Mail De Bievre straight forecast (8/1 Paddy
Power)
Mail De Bievre: Very smart form in France, winning Graded
chases including Prix Murat by 8 lengths, and very respectable comeback when
tanking along for two thirds of Denman Chase (3m, heavy) at Newbury; Obviously
this much sharpest test but went with more than enough zest to suggest that he
could handle 2m around here and of interest even if not upto the class of
Sprinter Sacre.Sanctuaire: Looked to be the main rival to Sprinter Sacre
after his Celebration Chase romp last year, but overdid the front running
tactics when the two met in Tingle Creek at Sandown and while his Grade 2 win
shows his talent, no chance of overturning that form here today either. Sizing Europe: Won this in emphatic style to follow up his
Arkle win (2011 Festival) and only defeat in 9 subsequent races came at hands
of Finian’s Rainbow last year; As good as ever since and looks the main threat
to the favourite on form even at his old age. Somserby: Festival regular, although he’s never quite shown
the form there he has at Ascot; (Third, second, fifth and seventh (Ryanair) at
the last four festivals); Needs to be on peak form for place and others make
more appeal. Sprinter Sacre: One of the best novice chase campaign seen
for years last season, unbeaten in 5 with aggregate victory margin of 66
lengths, producing stunning performance in Arkle to top the lot here; Done
nothing to suggest his dominance could be challenged when strolling to Tingle
Creek win, his much anticipated duel with Sancutaire a non-event thanks to that
one overdoing it on the front; Brilliant once again when winning rescheduled
Victor Chandler Chase and should win easily once again. Tataniano: Very good novice at the peak of his powers )won
Aintree Grade 1 with ease in 2010) but below that form since and needs a lot to
get more involved. Wishfull Thinking: Breathing problems halted him badly in
last two years but successful on two of his four starts this term, impressive
when giving 6lbs to French Opera in Game Sprit chase latest; Can get involved in
race for second even though today tougher.
VERDICT: Time to sit and enjoy SPRINTER SACRE (who we
luckily hold a tasty win double voucher for), who has been outstanding in all
of his seven races over fences and looks set to dominate this division. He’s
won 5 of his seven starts by 10 or more lengths, so the 10/11 with Paddy Power
he wins by 8 or more looks a tempting proposition for those playing the
distance market with Sizing Europe a formidable rival, but not the horse he was
two years ago. Mail De Bievre, who showed enough speed to lay up with the best
of these on his belated return at Newbury, should prove competitive.
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