DOOM BAR MAGHULL

NOVICES’ CHASE

(GRADE 1)

PAUL Nicholls, who thinks the trainers’ title will be claimed by Nicky Henderson, never quite had the ammunition to match his great rival and struggled to make an impression at Cheltenham.

However, he bounced back here when San Benedeto (4/1) took the Grade 1 Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase in the hands of Nick Scholfield.

Nicholls always looked like picking up the prize because stable-companion and 5/2 favourite Politologue had taken it up at the eighth and was still just in front when stumbling badly on landing over the last, giving Sam Twiston-Davies no chance of keeping the partnership intact.

That left Brian Ellison’s Forest Bihan in front but San Benedeto made up the better part of two lengths on the run-in to get up by a head. Charbel was a modest third.

“San Benedeto will never get another chance like that to win a Grade 1,” Nicholls admitted.

“That’s why you have to have a first reserve in a Grade 1 race like this, though. He’s been an amazing horse because it was only last Sunday he won a handicap chase at Ascot. Fortune favours the brave!”

It truly wasn’t Ellison’s day. Definitly Red had little chance when badly impeded in the National and Forest Bihan did not quite match the winner’s determination here.

He still looks a good prospect and will take in more Group 1s over two miles next term.