3m6f (3m5f201y) (Old) Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Embassy Gardens and Corbetts Cross are clearly the class angle into the National Hunt Chase this year. They both have great chances particularly the former who looks tailor made for this race. I’m less keen on Corbetts Cross as I don’t think he is the most polished of jumpers and I don’t know if he stays that well either. The remainder in this field could all be capable of winning this on their day, but I am going to take a chance on the rank outsider in MR VANGO running a huge race here.
Mr Vango has only just had the two chase starts, but his second start 18 days ago could hardly have been more impressive when hosing up by 60 lengths (!) to win the Devon National over 3m 7f on Heavy ground. None of his competitors in here have had to compete in anything like that sort of trip and he put his opposition to the sword there with a commanding front-running display.
Mr Vango may not have the supposed class of some of his rivals, or the speed. But the heavy rain is certainly a leveller here and with the added benefit of first-time cheekpieces, he might just be good enough to go up the grade and claim success for the same team that dreamt big by putting Coneygree in a Gold Cup one year to win it. He will certainly stay all day.
The victory would be a pertinent one as the trainer Mark Bradstock passed away ten days ago after Mr Vango’s win and his wife Sara, who has taken over the sole training licence, will be there to cheer him up the hill for the yard.
0.5pt win Mr Vango @20/1, 17:30 Tuesday, Cheltenham
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