Dynaste

Dynaste was no match for the impressive Aegean Dawn in a two-mile-five-furlong handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday, but he would have been an impressive winner himself without Nicky Henderson’s horse and he could be worth following. Conor O’Farrell always had the son of Martaline towards the head of proceedings, and they travelled well throughout the race, sharing the lead with Blazing Buck. As they came down the hill, Dynaste looked to have them all in trouble except for Aegean Dawn, who was the only one to come out of the pack to challenge David Pipe’s horse. O’Farrell had kicked for home a long way out, you can forgive the fact that his mount tired and that he could not match the impressive winner (a hugely impressive winner again since off a 5lb higher mark and now rated 26lb higher than he was here), who travelled up beside him on the bridle, but he kept on really well to maintain a distance of ground between himself and the rest of the field, 17 lengths at the end.

Aegean Dawn was making it three wins from three runs here, he is held in the highest regard by connections and he could be anything at this stage. There was certainly no shame in finishing second to him, and in so doing Dynaste looked like a more than useful sort. He was able to kick on and open up a big lead just before the straight, and he kept on well to finish well clear of the chasing pack. An import from France, he is only four, this was only his fifth start, just his second for David Pipe, and there should be much more to come.

All the headlines were about Aegean Dawn after this, and it may have allowed Dynaste’s effort to go a little under the radar. He improved for a step up in trip here and he should be better on softer ground. A 21lb hike is severe, but it may still not get to the bottom of him, and he will still be of interest next time.

12th November 2010

Back