13:55 Kempton 26 Dec 2021
Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase
In Memory Of Nigel Clark | Grade 1 | GBB Race | Class 1 | 4YO plus
Winner £56,950 - 4 ran
tracked leader who soon went clear, closer at 3rd, pecked 14th, led 2 out, soon quickened clear, kept up to work run-in, impressive
led and soon clear until hit 3rd and reduced lead, awkward 11th, hit 4 out and joined, pushed along and headed 2 out, soon outpaced and no chance with winner, pecked last, kept on for clear 2nd
tracked leaders, going well enough before 3 out, went 3rd 3 out, found little before next
raced wide in 4th, not fluent 6th, 3rd after 4 out, soon pushed along and weakened next
Betting returns
| Type | Winnings |
|---|---|
| Betfair SP | £2.34 |
| CSF | £2.86 (2, 1) |
| Win | £2.20 (2) |
| Exacta | £2.50 (2, 1) |
| Trifecta | £5.40 (2, 1, 3) |
Expert Analysis
A fascinating showdown between two of the most exciting and most accomplished staying novice chasers around, though in the end it proved one-sided, Bravemansgame a clear-cut winner – and a superior one for this contest in all probability – but Ahoy Senor below what he appeared to show at Newbury. The latter set the pace, but it was steady for most of the way (finishing speed from 3 out 109.4%, where around 100% is par), and that did not play to his strengths.
BRAVEMANSGAME (c152+4 here, 154 previously) is building up quite a CV over fences, unbeaten in three now and about the best in the staying division to this point, his sound jumping as well as very smart ability likely to take him a long way. He tracked the leader, pecked at the 14th but otherwise jumped typically soundly, was produced to lead going to 2 out, quickened away soon after it and had something to spare. His chase successes have all come in 4-runner races but he can be expected to cope fine with larger fields.
AHOY SENOR (c145 here, 155 previously) was less polished than at Newbury, let down by his jumping at times, notably at 4 out, and was probably below his best, setting just a steady pace on the whole and outpaced comprehensively by the winner from 2 out (made another mistake at the last). He has loads of ability (had beaten Bravemansgame fair and square over hurdles at Aintree) and could yet fulfil hopes for him in the Festival Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, but he is likely to need another race or two before then for experience.
KILTEALY BRIGGS (c137 here and previously) seemed to run creditably, held up in touch and going well for a long way in what was a steadily run race, outpaced from 3 out. Handicaps, rather than anything better, are likely to be his longer-term future.
TEA CLIPPER (c115 here, 145 previously) was again below form, even allowing for his Chepstow win (which came at shorter) lacking substance, the first off the bridle and left well behind from 3 out.
