Chef D'Oeuvre
Chef D'Oeuvre ran a big race to finish third in the Grand National Trial over 3m 4f, racing from 3lb out of the handicap. Settled nicely in mid-division and towards the outside early on by Jonathan England, he travelled well throughout, he travelled well out of the back straight and into the home straight. Moved wide towards the near side, he travelled like a likely winner when he closed up at the third last fence. He jumped to his left though up the home straight, and he lost a little momentum as he moved back to the right between fences. He stayed on well from the second last fence, and he and Ramses De Teillee and Robinsfirth had a good tussle from the final fence. He came off third best, but it was still a big run in a race that was run in a good time.
A decent novice chaser for Warren Greatrex, the Martaline gelding won a handicap chase over this course and distance over Christmas on just his third run for Sam England. Raised 8lb for that to a mark of 127, he was effectively 11lb higher on Saturday, racing off an effective mark of 130, and he was taking a step up in class, but he proved that he was well able for the step up. The handicapper raised him by another 4lb for this run, from his effective mark of 130, but this was a career-best run, and there could be more to come from him now over marathon distances. He obviously goes well at Haydock, but he will be of interest wherever he goes next, and he could do even better if he ever gets to race on softer ground. His best form before this, and his best form over hurdles, was on heavy ground.
Haydock, 16th February 2019
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