Ante-post / Harry Bowles / 25 January 2011 /

Hot on the heels of Stu's glowing RSA preview, Harry Bowles joins the fan club and makes the case for Time For Rupert in the Cotswold Chase.

The next step on what looks set to prove a relentless progression through the chasing ranks sees Time For Rupert move out of novice company and tackle the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham, a course where he's building an increasingly impressive record.

The yard of Paul Webber has been happily resurgent in recent times, and the flag-bearer is the tremendously likeable Time For Rupert. He only had Big Buck's to look up to over hurdles last season, no disgrace in that, and was comfortably clear of the rest in finishing three and a quarter lengths second to that one in the World Hurdle, all the while looking one who'd do at least as well once sent chasing. After just two starts - and two wins - over fences he remains with plenty of potential for the highest level, having that top-class hurdles form to play with and, just as importantly, making sound, assured jumping a feature of both those successes over the larger obstacles. Despite his relative inexperience, there's little reason to fear the fact he's taking on more established chasers, his proven toughness sure to stand him in excellent stead.

Adding no end to Time For Rupert's chance in the Cotswold is the holes - left, right and centre - amongst the opposition. Punchestowns is similar in that he also bumped into Big Buck's as a staying hurdler whilst giving the impression that fences would come naturally to him. Well, that's only really proven half true, making a good start in winning Graded novices on his first two starts last season before coming off the rails to an extent. Admittedly, he had excuses when putting up a lacklustre display in the RSA Chase round here (and Diamond Harry has shown that a poor effort in that race needn't mean an end to future prospects), but it does raise questions about his ability to handle the unique test that Cheltenham represents. On top of that, he didn't strike as being on top of his game in narrowly being beaten by Pride of Dulcote - admittedly a very smart prospect in his own right - at Newbury on his return to action last month.

On this card twelve months ago, Tidal Bay deigned to show off his innate ability as he won the Cleeve Hurdle by five lengths from Time For Rupert. He was in receipt of 4 lb then and subsequently had the tables well and truly turned on him in the World Hurdle next time. His ungenuine nature is firmly established, however, and Tidal Bay has rarely showcased both that and his talent as markedly as when finishing runner-up to Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase in November, threatening to down tools entirely for most of the way before picking up the bit and charging home. After winning ten of his first thirteen starts over obstacles, that Cleeve success is his sole victory from his last twelve and he simply can't be trusted; pure and simple.

Taranis burst back onto the scene when victorious in this race last season having been on the sidelines for more than two years previously, but things rather fell in his lap then and he was subsequently absent again until returning in the Hennessy at Newbury in November. He wasn't at his best there and was set to finish no better than fifth when falling in the handicap won by Tartak here on New Year's Day, so it's easy to have reservations as things stand.

A genuine front runner who has reached new heights with wins in a minor event at Carlisle and the Paddy Power around here on his first two starts this season, Little Josh now takes a hike in class. Whilst losing little in defeat when fifth to Poquelin in the AP Gold Cup, he was beaten by a 9 lb rise above all and is expected to come up short, especially with stamina to prove at this longer trip. He'll give it his all nonetheless.

Neptune Collonges was amongst the best around in his day (third to stablemates Denman and Kauto Star in an excellent renewal of the Gold Cup in 2007/8), but he spent more than a year and a half on the sidelines prior to his return this season and hasn't looked the same force. Admittedly he was unfortunate to be brought down in the Hennessy first time up, but then went with a worrying lack of zest behind Midnight Chase at Cheltenham next time and it's difficult to be confident about him on the back of that.

Whilst he's always been long on ability, The Tother One's strike rate over fences (not won since chasing debut in October 2008) is readily explained by his difficult nature, often looking tricky under pressure, whilst mistakes were also a feature of his Hennessy fourth to Diamond Harry. Now ten years of age, time is running out if he's to fulfil his residual potential.

Madison du Berlais has looked a shadow of his former self this season, whilst Mon Mome is having his first outing since falling in the Grand National and will surely have that race as the major target once again and The Sawyer doesn't seem in the same heart as when winning the handicap on this card twelve months ago. He wouldn't be good enough anyway.

There we have it, then, it's very difficult indeed to look beyond Time For Rupert. He has a Gold Cup entry to his name, and it would be understandable if connectioins had half an eye on the 'big one' if, as expected, he takes care of this lot in the style of a fast progressive chaser. The RSA is the more logical next step, though, and he could easily end up being a Festival 'banker' for many.

Recommendation

Back Time For Rupert in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: