It was unfortunate to lose the Ascot race card last Saturday but Ascot’s loss is most certainly a Festival ’s gain as Trials Day looks to be the card of the season so far, so don’t wait to bet on Cheltenham races.
The Willie Mullins trained Un De Sceaux is the star attraction in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase at 1.45pm and with the defection of Gary Moore’s Ar Mad from those declared to run last week, his task has been made considerably easier.
Last season, Un De Sceaux was seen as the leading light of the two mile division but when the chips were down in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last March, his limitations were exposed against a resurgent Sprinter Sacre, who strode majestically up the Cheltenham hill for a famous win.
Many thought Un De Sceaux would step up in distance this season, but there are still plenty of races to be won with this top notch nine-year-old and he will take all the beating in this Grade 1 contest.
Last time out in the Tingle Creek at Sandown Park, Un De Sceaux showed guts and determination to deny Sire De Grugy and God’s Own, neither of whom re-oppose here, leaving Special Tiara as the main threat.
Special Tiara is rated just 4lb inferior to the favourite and is capable of putting up a big show, particularly if the ground is decent. But Un De Sceaux is the class act in this field and will surely win with a clear round of jumping.
Former Champion Chaser Dodging Bullets is also in the field, but hasn’t been the force of old of late and appears to be up against it at this level now. Top Gamble is another who could put up a bold bid, while 2015 Ryanair Chase winner Uxizandre returning to action and although respected, will need the run to put him spot on for the Festival in seven weeks time.
Cheltenham Festival Trials Day is all set to be an amazing afternoon and Un De Sceaux can play his part by putting his rivals to the sword under jockey Ruby Walsh.