Highway One O One

Highway One O One ran a big race to finish second to Kildisart in the 2m 4f novices’ handicap chase. He led from early, he jumped well and he travelled well into the home straight. He was just worn down by Kildisart on the run-in, but he still kept on well enough to retain second place in a good race that was run in a good time. He went around the inside too, possibly on the worst of the ground.

The handicapper raised him by just 2lb to a mark of 145, but he is only seven and this was just his sixth run over fences, so he should continue to progress. He has been nicely progressive in good company this season.

His mark of 145 would see him get into the Close Brothers Chase off top weight, and that is usually a tight handicap with a narrow range of weights. It would be a good target for him. We know that he can go well at Cheltenham, and this race is a good pointer to the Close Brothers Chase. Mister Whitaker won both races last year, and Irish Cavalier finished third in this race in 2015 before going back to Cheltenham in March and winning the Close Brothers Chase.

Cheltenham, 26^th January 2019