Caribean Boy

Caribean Boy was impressive in winning the Grade 2 Berkshire novices’ chase. Weak in the market beforehand, Nicky Henderson’s horse was quickly into a good racing rhythm in front for Daryl Jacob, and his jumping was very good. He out-jumped the odds-on favourite Fiddlerontheroof at several of his obstacles and, while that rival moved up to challenge at the fourth last fence, and actually jumped ahead at the third last, Daryl Jacob didn’t panic. He just cajoled his horse forward, jumped the second last back upsides, moved ahead on the run to the last and came clear up the run-in.

It was only a three-horse race, but Fiddlerontheroof is rated 152 and third-placed Getaway Trump is rated 144, and both of them had race-fitness on their side, but Caribean Boy beat them both well. The market suggested that he might come on for the run, and the largely conservative ride that Daryl Jacob gave him was consistent with that notion, so it may be that there is much more to come from him now this season. He doesn’t qualify for novice chases any more, but he jumps so well that he should be well up to open grade. Winner of a chase at Haydock last February on heavy ground, he proved here that he can operate on good ground too. The handicapper raised him by 10lb to a mark of 154, but he is only six and this was just his third run over fences, so there could be plenty more to come.

Newbury, 27^th November 2020