A Victory Forged in Grit and Determination
In conditions that tested the resolve of both horse and rider, Sean Bowen delivered a performance at Cheltenham on Friday that will be remembered for its sheer tenacity. Battling the remnants of Storm Claudia, the current champion jockey produced a ride on the novice chaser Wade Out that evoked memories of Tony McCoy's legendary never-say-die effort aboard Wichita Lineman.
The two-mile, four-furlong contest was a war of attrition, taking nearly seven minutes to complete. For most of the race, victory seemed an impossible dream for the pairing. Wade Out was last of the four remaining runners heading onto the final circuit and repeatedly failed to jump with any fluency. Time and again, the horse appeared to be dropping out of contention, only for Bowen's relentless driving to keep him in touch.
The Dramatic Final Furlong
The decisive moment came on the run down the hill, where Wade Out hit another flat spot. As rivals One Big Bang and Isaac Des Obeaux eased clear, the race seemed over. Yet, as the leaders tired approaching the final fence, Bowen and Wade Out emerged from the gloom with a stunning challenge on the inside. Despite an untidy jump at the last, their momentum carried them to a three-length victory at the line.
"He was lazy, he didn't jump because he was lazy and probably the ground didn't help him," a candid Bowen admitted after the race. "He did a lot wrong and still managed to win." The jockey revealed his frustration turning for home, thinking he had nothing left to give, only for his mount to find an extra gear when it mattered most.
Quality Shines Through in Shloer Chase
While Bowen provided the grit, L'Eau Du Sud supplied the quality on Friday's card with a breathtaking performance in the Grade Two Shloer Chase. Trained by Dan Skelton, the chaser put in a commanding display, coming home on a tight rein and a massive 15 lengths clear of Jonbon, the winner of this race for the past two years.
"We had him prepared for today and we're super-happy with what we've seen," an elated Skelton stated. The victory sets up a Grade One campaign, with the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December now on the agenda. Skelton also reflected on a training error from last season, vowing to learn from past mistakes.
Saturday's Paddy Power Gold Cup Preview
Attention now turns to Saturday's feature race, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, though the card faces a precautionary inspection at 7.30am after Friday's torrential conditions. Clerk of the course Jon Pullin confirmed officials would assess the track, noting: "We've still got further rain to come. Having opened it up, it makes sense to have a look in the morning."
The handicap promises to be a thriller, with just 6lb separating the entire field according to Timeform's ratings. Paul Nicholls's Il Ridoto brings strong course form, having finished 4-3-1 in the last three runnings of this race. However, the testing ground may shift the advantage toward lighter-weighted contenders.
Our selection for the feature is Conyers Hill, trained by Paul Nolan. At around 16-1, this seven-year-old represents excellent each-way value. With only seven chase starts to his name, he remains unexposed, acts on heavy ground, and carries a handy racing weight of 11st 1lb that could prove decisive in the closing stages.
Saturday's Best Bets Across the Cards
Cheltenham 1.45: Be Aware arrives with a similar profile to previous Dan Skelton winners of this race and looks poised for a successful chasing debut after finishing second in last year's Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.
Cheltenham 2.55: While Supremely West is a logical favourite, Long Draw offers better value at around 6-1. He was less than three lengths behind the favourite at the October meeting and should improve for his seasonal debut.
Wetherby 3.10: Cueros, an emphatic 14-length winner on his hurdles debut, gets the nod over another promising prospect in Fresh Perspective.
Cheltenham 3.30: Now with trainer Olly Murphy, Kap Boy scored convincingly on his stable debut at Perth and should handle the testing conditions.
Wetherby 3.43: Cerendipity made a solid return behind Be Aware last month and races off the same mark here, making him a compelling each-way proposition.
