Mozoltov
Mozoltov put up a nice performance to finish second to Nearly Nama'd in the Dan Moore Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Settled towards the rear of the field through the early stages of the race by David Mullins, the Gigginstown House horse was a little keen up on the outside of runners. He moved up nicely as they turned towards the fifth last fence, but he didn't meet that fence in his stride, which halted his progress. He regained the lost ground quite quickly, however, and he travelled well into the home straight, but he was a little awkward at the second last, which wasn't ideal as Nearly Nama'd and Guitar Pete quickened away from him. He arrested the deficit however and, about six lengths down on the run to the final fence, he stayed on well up the run-in to catch Guitar Pete for second place, getting to within four and a half lengths of the winner.
This was much more like it from Mozoltov. He is undoubtedly a talented individual, he beat Don Cossack in the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Hurdle as a novice hurdler, and he was a high-class novice chaser two season ago. He won the Grade 2 Nas Na Riogh Chase and he was well enough fancied for the JLT Chase at Cheltenham when he fell at the first fence. Tailed off in the Grade 1 Growise Chase on his final run as a novice, he missed all of last season, and he was never travelling in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham last month on his debut this term.
Sunday's run was really encouraging. We know now that he retains at least some of his ability, and he has got interesting again now, even as a 10-year-old. He does not have many miles on the clock, he has raced just 16 times in his life and just nine times over fences. A 4lb hike is not harsh, it leaves him on a mark of 152, and that is a mark off which he should be able to operate. He should also do better when he steps up in trip again from Sunday's extended two miles, and he will be of interest now through the winter, he goes well on soft ground.
10th January 2016
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