Bog Warrior

The Tony Martin-trained Bog Warrior was really impressive in winning a two-mile beginners’ chase at Navan last Sunday. He set quite a strong pace, he travelled and jumped well out in front, and he had the field well stretched out by the end of the back straight. He was clear with two others – Flemenstar and Baily Green – from a long way out, he jumped the third last, the first fence in the home straight, nicely and moved off towards the final two still on the bridle whereas his two nearest pursuers were driven along on touching down. Davy Russell didn’t have to move on the run down to the second last, the horse saw another good stride at it and cleared it well before stretching on down to the final fence. He put himself right at the last and got over it safely with Russell able to ease him right down on the run-in to record a seven-and-a-half-length win.

The right horses chased the Gigginstown House horse home. Runner-up Flemenstar was well backed beforehand, he was sent off as joint favourite with Bog Warrior, he had shown really useful form in his two runs over hurdles, beating Rattan by nine lengths and then finishing fourth to Lambro in a Grade 2 contest, but he couldn’t even get Bog Warrior off the bridle here. The time was good too, it was faster than the time that Big Zeb clocked in the Fortria Chase in which Forpadydeplasterer took them along at a good enough clip.

This was the Strategic Choice gelding’s first chase, his seasonal debut, and just his fourth ever run. He only made his debut in January (he is seven), but has now won a bumper, a hurdle race and a chase. He could be very good indeed. Tony Martin said after this that he could be the best he’s ever had, and he really is exciting. He is entered in the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at the start of December over two and a half miles, and he will be of interest in that if he takes his chance. Gigginstown House also have First Lieutenant and Last Instalment in the Drinmore, they have a really exciting bunch of novice chasers at present.

13th November 2011