Secret Investor
Secret Investor did well to finish second to Real Steel in the Grade 2 intermediate chase. The ground was probably softer than ideal for him, but he set off in front at a good pace, disputing with Mengli Khan. They probably went faster than optimum up front, the ultimate winner was well back, detached in fourth and last place early on, and Mengli Khan faded badly from the third last fence and finished off a well-beaten last. By contrast, Secret Investor stuck to his task well. He was challenged by Real Steel from the third last fence and, while he gave best to him at the second last, he still kept on well enough to win the battle for second place with Minella Fair, who kept on into third.
Paul Nicholls' horse handled the soft ground well here, and that does open up options, but it may be that he will be seen to even better effect back on better ground. His good wins at Wincanton and Kempton last season were both on good ground, and he was withdrawn from intended engagements at Chepstow and Cheltenham this season already because of soft ground. Also, he should do better when he is afforded a less strongly-contested lead than he had here. It was a good start for him into the season though, and it was just his sixth chase, so he will be of interest wherever he goes next. He has won over three miles over hurdles too, so he does have the option to step up in trip if he needs to.
Down Royal, 2nd November 2019
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