As a proud Welshman, and big rugby fan, my patriotism is currently being severely tested. Happily, though, my fellow Welshmen, Sam Thomas and Christian Williams, were able to deliver winning performances as, between them, they landed the two big handicap chases on Saturday.
The Christian Williams-trained Cap Du Nord was well supported to land back-to-back victories in the Coral Trophy Handicap Chase, just a week on from winning the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot. He wasn’t able to oblige, with it very likely those previous exertions were the reason for this below-par effort.
The prize still made its way across the severn bridge, though, as Our Power, off the back of a 119-day absence, powered to victory under a typically all-action Sam Twiston-Davies, meaning he’s now won both starts this season.
I believe this demonstrates what a talented trainer Sam Thomas is becoming as a look back through the form of Our Power would show that this is a horse that usually takes a run before finding top form, yet twice this season he has won off elongated breaks. A superb effort by Sam and his team.
Our Power holds entries in both the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and the Randox Health Grand National; it’s hard to believe that he won’t be on everyone’s shortlist for both.
The front two in the market, Doyannie and Shaw’s Cross, clash again after battling out the finish over this course and distance at the end of January.
On that occasion, a finely judged ride by Nick Scholfield saw Shaw’s Cross head Doyannie in the final few strides.
On 2lb better terms for just a one-length defeat, Doyannie should be capable of reversing the form. However, I thought she finished weakly last time and I see no reason why that will be any different now.
Shaw’s Cross finished exceptionally powerfully there and would have won by further but for getting in tight to the second last.
The presence of Line Of Descent and Clondaw Robin should insure that a strong gallop is set, and I’m confident the excellent Nick Scholfield can pounce late once again.
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