Cheltenham Friday

CORACH Rambler (Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox) is considered a National type by his trainer, and this big, rangy gelding looked a class above his rivals in the novices’ handicap chase despite lugging left before the last, and then badly right on the run-in, meaning he had to survive a stewards’ enquiry after beating the game Eva’s Oskar.

He’s still pretty raw, but looks a horse with oodles of long-term potential, and Russell’s hope that he will develop into a contender for the Scottish National next spring looks very realistic.

The extended two-mile handicap hurdle proved a great moment for 7lb claimer Archie Bellamy, who got a good response from Lively Citizen (D J Jeffreys), who improved on his second in the corresponding event last year by winning at 6/1, providing the rider with a first Cheltenham success.

He proved much too willing for runner-up Broomfield Burg, who travelled best, but looked half-hearted under pressure. This win took Lively Citizen’s Cheltenham record to two wins and a second from three runs, which is a credit to the horse and his connections.

Bellamy, the younger son of former jockey Robert Bellamy, spent several years away from British racing having had his first ride over jumps almost exactly seven years ago. That has enabled him to retain his claim, while a spell riding in Australia, both over hurdles and on the flat, has helped him refine his style. He’s now attached to the Jeffreys yard, and this was his second win in the week after the victory of Ben Brody at Uttoxeter on Tuesday.

Commodore foot-perfect for Williams

FEATURE, and sole black-type contest on Friday’s card at Cheltenham was the Grade 3 handicap chase over the Gold Cup course and distance, and the contest went the way of the Venetia Williams-trained Commodore under Charlie Deutsch.

The pair led or disputed the lead with Santini, and put up a wonderful exhibition of bold, accurate jumping. The nine-year-old grey was easy to back as he drifted from a morning price of 4/1 to an SP of 7/1, but he belied that drift by putting up the performance of his life, dropping Santini as lack of fitness told on the top-weight, and he pulled clear of a staying-on Mister Fogpatches (Pat Fahy/Danny Mullins) to score by 15 lengths, with another 22 lengths back to Court Master, who overhauled a legless Santini on the run-in.

Commodore was a close second to Snow Leopardess on last year’s return at Haydock, and was still in with a chance when falling at the last in this race 12 months ago.

Cured

He lost his form thereafter, but a wind operation in the close season has clearly cured his issues, and he showed no sign of flagging at any point here. He’ll be hit hard by the handicapper, which won’t make him easy to place, but his connections will be rightly proud of this perfect exhibition.

Diesel motors home for Bandey and Bannister

DIESEL D’Allier (Richard Bandey/Harry Bannister) has a fine track record at Cheltenham and he gained a second win on the cross-country course by running down Potters Corner for the narrowest of successes in the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup contest.

The ex-Emmanuel Clayeux inmate – returned at 6/1 – also won here in 2019, and was third on his debut for Bandey last month, proving himself a real specialist. He’ll no doubt be back for the big race here in March, for all that non-handicap event will be a much sterner task.

Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies struck in the mares’ novice handicap chase with Vienna Court, who gained her first chase win in clear-cut style despite the burden of top-weight. She failed to go on over fences last season, but showed improved form to beat Precious Eleanor by 12 lengths here, and like her stable, she appears to have turned a corner of late, and could be one to keep on side.