The Giant Bolster

The Giant Bolster posted a highly likeable chasing debut at Worcester on Wednesday in the Fred Rimell Memorial Novices’ Chase. He displayed on more than one occasion last season his abundant stamina, not least when he was under pressure from a long way out in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but stayed on to finish sixth of 17, beaten only about seven lengths, at 200/1. That being the case, there was a distinct possibility that the two miles and seven furlongs of this novices' chase around Worcester, with only five runners would be too sharp a test for The Giant Bolster. He blew that suspicion out of the water though with his smooth travelling and accurate jumping. He went through the race very well behind Slash And Burn and Ballydub, still travelling well entering the straight, he came right away from the well-fancied Bob N You after the last, and powered away very impressively.

His jockey Rodi Greene didn’t help him much over the last two fences, he was quite cautious, shortening him up a lot going into them, with the result that the horse went well right at both of them. Even so, the visual impression The Giant Bolster created on the run-in was a good, one that suggests he could be a smart steeplechaser. Bob N You had progressed all of last year over hurdles, going up over 40 pounds in the handicap, culminating in a very good third place in a 21-runner handicap at the Aintree Festival, and the way he was so readily brushed aside bodes extremely well for the winner.

It is worth remembering that The Giant Bolster is still only a five-year-old, and will continue to come on for experience. David Bridgwater may only have around 20 horses in training, but he has one of a very high calibre in The Giant Bolster.

20th October 2010

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