Big-Race Perspective: The Aon Chase

Features / Timeform / 15 February 2010 / Leave a comment

Denman pictured with his new partner Tony McCoy prior to unseating at Newbury.

Timeform share their views on the Aon Chase at Newbury on Saturday, where Denman was expected to cement his claims as the biggest threat to Kauto Star in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. However, it didn't all go to plan!

"'There is no such thing as a certainty in racing' was never better illustrated as Denman fluffed his lines in his Gold Cup prep race for the second year running."

'There is no such thing as a certainty in racing' was never better illustrated as Denman fluffed his lines in his Gold Cup prep race for the second year running, leaving a pair being aimed at the Grand National to fight out the finish, the form a little way short of what would normally be expected at this level, the runner-up emerging with plenty of credit however, having raced close to the favourite's pace.

Tricky Trickster was much more convincing than he'd been over hurdles at Fontwell, really impressing with his bold and accurate jumping and responding very well as he cut the runner-up down. He was meeting that rival on favourable terms and might be slightly flattered to have reeled him in on the day, but it would be very surprising if this was the full extent of his abilities and there are more good races to be won with him, though his campaign is set to get more demanding still with the Gold Cup and Grand National on the agenda.

Niche Market ran a smashing Grand National trial, mixing it with Denman for a long way and impressing with his jumping, back on terms when left in front four out and worn down close home only by one who'd sat a fair bit further back.

Air Force One looked in good shape but was clearly rusty on his first start since April, making a few mistakes and allowed to come home in his own time. His next run will give a much better indication of how much ability he retains.

Ollie Magern lost interest after a mistake at the tenth, and it's increasingly hard to envisage him winning a race of any consequence.

Wee Robbie wasn't up to this class.

Denman is an outstanding chaser no doubt, but his style of doing things dictates that he needs to be spot on in terms of condition though and he wasn't here, going with usual exuberance until halfway but unable to get his rivals in trouble as he usually does and pressed even before a bad mistake four out put him on the back foot, far too bold when trying to get back into things at the next, giving his new rider no chance. It will be a surprise if he isn't in peak condition at Cheltenham, but there can be little argument that he has rather less solid credentials than he did before this race.