Harry Cobden produced one other front-running masterclass as Kalif Du Berlais dominated the Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.
Cobden had struck within the Grand Nationwide Competition’s three-mile novice Grade One aboard Caldwell Potter on Friday and was teaming up together with his Ditcheat boss Paul Nicholls as soon as once more – this time over two miles – as they picked up their second top-level prize of the week.
As with Caldwell Potter, Cobden was donning the colors of the late John Hales and by no means missed a beat aboard his mount because the five-year-old bounced again to his finest on a sound floor and again down in journey.
Despatched off well-backed at 15/8, he got here dwelling three-and-a-half lengths away from Anthony Honeyball’s outsider Brookie, as Dan Skelton’s 5/4 favorite L’Eau Du Sud may solely end third.
He mentioned: “He is a severely good horse and we ran him at Sandown as I did not wish to take L’Eau Du Sud (identical possession) on (at Warwick) and John had simply died and it was in all probability a nasty determination.
“I had nowhere else I may go, so we saved him for right here as we speak. I might have cherished to have run him within the Arkle as a result of I feel he would have gone very shut within the Arkle.
“He came fresh and is a very smart horse. I thought he’d win today and that’s probably me dreaming more than anything. But he’s a very smart horse and had been working great. He’s only five, he’s maturing and the world is at his feet.
“I wish to suppose that could be a actual Champion Chase horse for subsequent season.”
On the success of his string at Aintree, the 14-time champion trainer added: “We have simply needed to be affected person. I have been pulling my hair out with the way in which a few of them have been operating, I do not know what occurred or the place it went unsuitable. I truly suppose we vaccinated the whole thing in January and for no matter cause it wiped the lot of them out.
“It took them ages to return at hand, however now we’re again the place we wish and our horses at all times like higher floor and spring climate.
“Regent’s Stroll very nearly made it three Grade Ones for us this week and he’s a super horse to go chasing along with Caldwell Potter and this horse, it’s really exciting.
“It has been a bit irritating this 12 months, but it surely’s come good and it is so thrilling for subsequent 12 months.”
L’Eau Du Sud was making his sixth appearance of the season, with his handler feeling his efforts throughout the campaign may have caught up with him.
Skelton said: “He is operating for the reason that finish of October, so he is been on the go a very long time. He confirmed us at dwelling that he was able to go once more and he is run very well with out seeing it out the very best as he can.
“I’m proud our horse, he has run his race, we’ll freshen him up with a good summer off now and we’ll have some big dances next year.”
