Future Champion Novices Chase 2014

2.05 Ayr

Arcadia Consulting William Dickie & Mary Robertson Future Champion Novices' Chase (For The Vulmidas Cup) (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus) 
Winner £26,748

Advice: 2 pts win Valdez (evs general)

Valdez: Didn’t raise roof over hurdles but has been very good chasing, winning three starts in convincing style and while he made hard work of Grade 2 at Doncaster in January, ground was slower than he’d have appreciated; Maybe didn’t quite have the pace for the Arkle at the Festival but fifth there still a respectable effort and nothing of that class to deal with today.

Eduard: Has promised to be even better at a longer trip (despite one try at it seeing him well beaten in Aintree Grade 2) for long time and impressive in winning at Carlisle after running into Pendra and then at Ayr in March, although he won a match latest and was getting 6lbs from runner up (albeit very impressive winner afterwards); Targeted at this race for a long time which is encouraging and serious player.

Miley Shah: Grade 3 hurdle winner whose impressive chasing debut over 2m was followed with solid second to classy type; Both those effort give him chance at face value but totally different ground to what he’ll face today and that could see him vulnerable to front pair in market today.

Reaping The Reward: Maiden over fences with a fall last time amongst his efforts and never looked as if he’s taken to the bigger obstacles; Avoid.

Aibrean: Landed 3m handicap hurdle on same card 3 years ago but just the one win since; That did come over fences at Naas but it was over 2m3f and the form far removed from what she’d need to match to win this.

VERDICT: VALDEZ was only fifth in the Arkle but he has made into the chaser that he promised to be and faces nothing of the same quality here, with a step up ion trip an added bonus for a horse who was last second to Whisper over 2m4f. Eduard, his closest rival, is a horse of considerable promise although he faced a much tougher assignment today than his first two chases, and they could have it between them with Miley Shah wanting testing conditions.