Wolf Moon

Wolf Moon put up a most encouraging first effort over fences in the Cheltenham World Of Jump Racing Novices’ Chase over two and a half miles on the Old Course on Friday behind the exciting Rebel Du Maquis, just failing to catch Frontier Dancer for second place. Held up last of the four runners, he jumped perfectly adequately, gaining in confidence at his fences as the contest went on. The two and a half miles of this race was surely inadequate, seeing as he won over three miles over hurdles around Cheltenham last season. He got outpaced by the front two turning to go down the hill and his jockey Warren Marston seemed to be intent on just getting him round after that. He finished strongly though, just denied second place and that position may well have been his if the jockey had tried to keep slightly closer tabs on the front two down the hill. Not that Marston can be blamed, though, as this was a more than satisfactory start over fences and he will fare better on easier ground and when stepped up in trip.

Wolf Moon did well for his young trainer Martin Keighley last season, twice winning handicap hurdles at Cheltenham, the first off 118 and the second off 125. He is a very likable individual who battled really well to win both of those contests and promises to be better over the larger obstacles. Three miles with cut in the ground should see him in a totally different light, especially with this experience under his belt and when the stable is in slightly better form.

15th October 2010