13:20 Kempton 27 Dec 2022
Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase
Grade 2 | GBB Race | Class 1 | 4YO plus
Winner £29,614 - 4 ran
jumped well, raced keenly in close 4th, went 3rd at 4th, left 2nd at 8th, closer before 2 out, led last, driven clear run-in
jumped well, led, went clear home turn, reduced lead before 2 out, headed last, ridden and stayed on same pace run-in, no chance with winner
raced keenly in 3rd out wide, steadied into 4th place at 3rd, left 3rd at 8th, blundered badly next, no chance after, tailed off
raced wide tracking leader, bad blunder and unseated rider 8th
Betting returns
| Type | Winnings |
|---|---|
| Betfair SP | £2.80 |
| CSF | £8.17 (2, 1) |
| Win | £2.75 (2) |
| Exacta | £5.90 (2, 1) |
| Trifecta | £15.90 (2, 1, 3) |
Expert Analysis
A disappointing turnout, lacking a true star as well as numbers, but it proved to be a reasonable test (time quicker than achieved by Editeur du Gite in winning the Desert Orchid Chase a bit later) and the first two probably put up very useful performances.
BOOTHILL (c148 here, 147 previously) was the one to beat with no Jonbon to contend with this time and got the job done in professional style and under a well-judged ride, taking a good hold tracking the pace, jumping well, held onto as the second laid it down going to 3 out and responding well to lead approaching the last. He finished second in a handicap hurdle at 20f at Uttoxeter in March, but that trip did seem to tax him.
AUCUNRISQUE (c146 here, 140 previously) ran his best race yet, over hurdles or fences, and has built up a record of remarkable consistency and mostly steady improvement. He set a reasonable pace, jumping well, was ridden and quickened before 3 out then kept on, even when headed going to the last.
GLORY AND FORTUNE (c92 here, 145? previously) is no natural over fences but picked up some decent prize money despite dropping away after a blunder 4 out.
LAC DE CONSTANCE (c? here, 145 previously) was in touch and still going fine when unseating at the eight (had raced a bit wide). He needed to improve to win this, but not by a lot.
