Our racing expert previews the big Grade 1 at Sandown on Saturday
Willie Mullins finally got his name on the board in this prestigious prize when Un De Sceaux scored in impressive fashion twelve months ago and there’s a decent chance that the Co Carlow handler can strike twice in as many years with DOUVAN. Unbeaten in 13 previous starts – including nine over fences – the son of Walk In The Park was expected continue his unblemished record when he lined up a short priced favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, but unfortunately things didn’t quite work out the way the betting suggested. A bad mistake at the third proved a catalyst to further errors and on returning a well-beaten seventh, the seven-year-old was found to be lame. Reportedly said to be back in full working order following a long, summer break, he still remains potentially the brightest star in this particular division and if he were to be successful at the Esher track over the weekend, he will be a very short-price to erase the memory of what happening the last time he went to Prestbury Park. For those of us who believe stable companion, Min, to be the better of the two, we will be watching on with interest.
Even taking in account Douvan’s poor show in the Champion Chase, FOX NORTON still came out of the race with great credit and connections will no doubt feel that there remains unfinished business with their charge. Impressive as he’s every been first time out this season in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, the son of Lando gelding arrives at Sandown in tip-top shape and if there is the remotest chink in the armour of the favourite, the seven-year-old seems best placed to exploit any weaknesses. Going forward, his performance on Saturday could also determine which route connections go down during the remainder of the season and beyond as Colin Tizzard has expressed on several occasions that he wouldn’t mind trying him over further at some stage.
Similarly to Fox Norton, POLITOLOGUE has already proven his wellbeing so far this season with a resounding success in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter and with several in behind that day, such as Sir Valentino and Gino Trail, going on to boost the form next time, Paul Nicholls’ inmate appears the obvious each-way alternative to the ‘big two’ at this stage (particularly as there’s likely to be less than eight runners on the day). The way he jumped and travelled throughout that strongly-run affair suggests he’s improved significantly from last year and if that proves to be the case, the son of Politologue could easily develop into a genuine Grade 1 performer over the minimum trip (was campaigned largely over 2m 4f last season).
Of the rest, it’s hard to see Un De Sceaux trying to repeat last year’s success with Douvan in the line-up, and the vibes – certainly judged by the betting – is that last season’s Champion Chase hero, Special Tiara will be joining him on the side lines. On the evidence of what we’ve seen of late, Ar Mad doesn’t appear the force he was before his setbacks, while the likes of Charbel and San Benedeto don’t appear good enough on all known form.
