3:30 – Aintree – BETFRED MONET´S GARDEN OLD ROAN CHASE (LIMITED HANDICAP) (GRADE 2)(CLASS 1) (4yo+) Good, Good to Soft in places 2m4f
After last year’s 3 runner event the Old Roan Chase has attracted a very competitive field of 11 runners for the race which is named after that wonderful old chaser, Monet’s Garden who won the race three times. Hector’s Choice along with most of the field is making his seasonal reappearance this afternoon and after winning at the meeting last year is taken to win his second Grade 2 chase today.
Hector’s Choice signed off in great style last April when he won the Grade 2 Silver Trophy Chase at Cheltenham on his final run of the campaign. He has proved to be a very consistent horse since he was sent over fences for the first time in February 2011. In his 10 runs to date he has won three times and finished 2nd or 3rd on another five occasions. All of his last 5 runs have come in Graded races and as well as winning on his last start he has also been placed on three of his other runs.
Hector’s Choice is therefore highly consistent over fences and has is ideal trip this afternoon. He has run over 2 miles 4 furlongs five times in his career and has won twice and been placed twice. He has also won once and been placed twice on his three runs at 2 miles 5 furlongs which gives him a little leeway stamina wise as they will probably go off at a decent pace with front runner Stagecoach Pearl in the field.
The ground is also perfect for Hector’s Choice as the going was described as Good, Good to Soft in places by the course at 6:47 this morning. He has run in Good ground 8 times, winning twice and finishing placed three times and he has also won twice and been placed three times in Good to Soft ground from seven runs.
Jamie Moore keeps the ride today, having ridden Hector’s Choice on six of his last seven rides and has in fact ridden him on all five of his runs in Graded races. Jamie obviously knows Hector’s Choice well and has ridden two winners from his last 11 rides.
This year’s renewal is a very competitive race in which almost the whole field can be given a chance. However, Hector’s Choice won at this meeting on his seasonal reappearance last year and although he is 5lbs higher than his previous best winning mark he does have his ideal conditions this afternoon and looks an excellent each way investment at a current price of 10/1.
