Tataniano

Tataniano put up a scintillating performance to win the Maghull Chase, beating Osana, who is high class, third in the Arkle, not beaten far, second in a Champion Hurdle, and beating him well with the pair of them clear of some progressive rivals, including Noble Alan and Bergo. Paul Nicholls’s horse was favourite for the Arkle earlier in the season, and he is clearly high class. He does need good or fast ground though to be at his best. He is only six, and could easily make up into a Champion Chase horse, but probably best not to back him for it yet as he will almost certainly go out in price when he runs below standard on soft ground during the winter. Remember that he was favourite for the Arkle after he won the Grade 2 novices’ chase at Cheltenham’s December meeting. The plan now is apparently to run in the Celebration Chase at Sandown’s Bet365 Gold Cup meeting. He should get his fast ground there, and he will be a leading player in that race, despite the fact that he is still a novice.

10th April 2010