BIG BUCK’S

CELEBRATION

MANIFESTO NOVICES’

CHASE (GRADE 1)

AN afternoon packed with Grade 1 races started with the Manifesto Chase, honouring the great staying hurdler Big Buck’s. It went not to Paul Nicholls’ 2/1 favourite and long-time leader Cyrname, but Colin Tizzard’s Finian’s Oscar.

The 5/2 chance owed plenty to Robbie Power, who sat tight as the eight-year-old flirted with disaster, but galvanised him approaching the last and made up two lengths on Rene’s Girl close home.

Carrying the distinctive colours of the late, lamented Ann and Alan Potts, Finian’s Oscar looked a fine prospect early in the season but lost his way and even a wind operation saw him finish no nearer than fifth at Cheltenham last time. His jumping leaves plenty to be desired but he lacks nothing in determination and this was a step in the right direction.