Andy Holding has identified an each-way shot that could spring a surprise.
History dictates that the winner of this gruelling contest isn’t necessarily the most gifted and that theory certainly applies to ELEGANT ESCAPE (best price 12-1) who has to be regarded as a grinder (albeit a quality one) rather silky-smooth operator. Previous winners of this contest such as Don Poli, Bobs Worth, Lord Windermere, Weapon’s Amnesty and Blaklion all had bundles of stamina and that appears to be the key component to the son of Dubai Destination’s game – which will come in handy in the final mile of this examination. A useful novice hurdle last season without setting the world alight, Colin Tizzard’s inmate has developed into a different proposition over fences and his two wins and three seconds have all been against the highest company. Although beaten by Black Corton at Kempton on Boxing Day, the six-year-old shaped as though the tight nature of the track that day wasn’t in his favour and he’s better judged on his performance against his old rival at Newbury on Ladbroke Gold Cup Day back in December. In a race run at a sound clip from the start, he travelled and jumped well throughout and in showing great resolution to fend off Paul Nicholls’ inmate on the run-in, he also posted a useful set of numbers for a novice. Posting a final circuit time of 3.05.9 (from the path away from the stands to the winning line), he usurped the lap times of both Gold Present (3.11.3) and Total Recall (3.08.1) who won the two other big chases on the same card, and it’s those findings that suggest he’s got plenty of pace to go with his undoubted stamina. An easy victory over the useful Ramses De Teillee on his most recent outing should have given him extra confidence going into his biggest test and if boils down to which horse jumps, stays and wants it the most, there’s no way this fella will be lacking in any of those departments.
Of those down the front end of the market, it’s hard to not to come to the conclusion that Presenting Percy should be favourite based on his overall performance levels so far this season. Even when he reverted back to hurdles, he still proved too good for some top-class rivals in a Grade 2 at Gowran and we know he has bundles of stamina thanks to his 3m 5f chasing success at Fairyhouse previously. Monalee is easily the most talented of the field and his victory in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown recently is the singular best piece of form on offer either side of the Irish Sea. Having finished a gallant runner-up to Penhill in last season’s Albert Bartlett and well clear of the rest, there shouldn’t be too many issues regards stamina, it’s just a question of whether being given an aggressive ride over the 2m 5f trip of the JLT the day after might turn out to be a better option under the prevailing conditions.
