Timeform Weekend Review: Osana shapes up for Champion Hurdle shot

Weekend Review / Timeform / 02 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

As 2009 rolls into it's second month, the thoughts of most are turning to the Cheltenham Festival. Timeform report on a weekend of action which had consequences on the markets of many races and the plans of several aspirants for jumps racing's showpiece event...

Sandown had the pick of Saturday's action, with the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase the most prestigious race of the day. It was won for the fourth year in succession by Paul Nicholls, this time through Herecomesthetruth who just held on from the strong
-finishing Massini's Maguire.

The pair's jumping appeared to be the difference on the day, and with him holding no entries for Cheltenham the winner is reportedly being aimed at the Topham in April. The runner-up also filled that berth in the only previous Grade 1 Novice Chase in Britain this season, the Feltham at Kempton, and having shown the stamina for three miles that day the RSA Chase looks the logical choice from his two Festival entries.

The Contenders Hurdle saw the long-awaited return to action of 2008 Champion Hurdle second Osana, who has presumably had his problems this season. David Pipe's gelding shaped well under Paddy Brennan, understandably tiring late on as he went down by three and a half lengths to Celestial Halo, to whom he was conceding 4 lb. The Champion Hurdle field looks very open behind Binocular, and on the basis of this performance Osana could well be at the head of the queue should the favourite fluff his lines on the day.

In terms of the novice events at Cheltenham, Doncaster arguably made more of an impact than Sandown. Paul Nicholls enjoyed another big-race success as I'msingingtheblues took the valuable two-mile handicap chase by nearly three lengths from fellow novice Doctor David. In winning from an official mark of 147- which looked steep on his previous achievements- I'msingingtheblues now has form well in advance of anything else currently entered in the Arkle, belying the 10/1 generally available at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, David Pipe had further reason to be cheerful as Master of Arts announced his arrival in very taking fashion, readily beating the promising Copper Bleu by just over three lengths without ever being asked for maximum effort. Most progressive on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, Master of Arts holds entries in both the Supreme and the Triumph and would command respect in either despite his lack of experience.

The best of Sunday's action in Britain came at Musselburgh, where the feature Scottish County Hurdle was won by European Dream. In an open contest where six came to the final flight still in with a chance, it was the speed of Richard Guests' charge that got him to the lead on the run-in and he showed a good attitude in holding off Along The Nile. Nicky Henderson also enjoyed a double on his first visit to the East Lothian track, with Giorgio Quercus and Bellvano taking the juvenile hurdle and bumper respectively.

Punchestown's card on Sunday was the highlight of Ireland's racing weekend, and it provided some insight of it's own into potential Festival challengers. Mikael H'Haguenet enhanced his reputation with a comfortable win in the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle, showing an impressive turn of foot. The Tied Cottage Chase proved dramatic as Big Zeb- second favourite for the Champion Chase- crashed out two from home when looking the most likely winner, allowing Mansony to follow up his win at Fairyhouse just eight days earlier.