Emmet Mullins' stable star Corbetts Cross lines up in the Grade One Ascot Chase, aiming to prove his Gold Cup credentials. The unorthodox preparation strategy sees him face a competitive field, including last year's one-two from the race, Pic D'orhy and L'Homme Presse.
Corbetts Cross is set to compete in Saturday's Grade One Ascot Chase as a preparatory step for the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup . This unconventional approach to the Blue Riband of steeplechasing comes as trainer Emmet Mullins aims for a first cross-channel Grade One victory. Traditionally, the Ascot Chase , held just weeks before the Cheltenham Festival, has been dominated by British contenders.
However, Mullins, who will also field Blue Lord in the race, believes Corbetts Cross's versatility could make him a serious contender for the Gold Cup. The horse's impressive stamina displayed in his National Hunt Chase victory at Cheltenham last season, coupled with his Grade Two hurdles win over a shorter distance, suggests he possesses the necessary attributes to challenge the favored Galopin Des Champs at Cheltenham.The race at Ascot is expected to be highly competitive, with last year's one-two finishers, Pic D'orhy and L'Homme Presse, both in contention. If L'Homme Presse also targets the Gold Cup, the Ascot Chase could once again serve as a prelude to the festival's showpiece event. Pic D'orhy, trained by Paul Nicholls, seems ideally suited to the course, distance, and conditions, making him a formidable opponent. While some might dismiss Corbetts Cross as a mere stayer based on his Cheltenham success, his efficient traveling style and ability to sustain a strong pace over a long distance suggest a more nuanced profile.Mullins, optimistic about Corbetts Cross's prospects, acknowledges the horse's previous disappointment in the King George but states that they have regrouped and are ready to compete again. He believes the horse can handle the shorter trip and jump at the required pace if the ground conditions are favorable. Meanwhile, trainer Paul Nicholls, while acknowledging Pic D'orhy's strengths, admits that he is not a horse capable of winning a Ryanair Chase. However, he believes Pic D'orhy's tactical placement and ability to excel in races like the Ascot Chase make him a significant contender. Corbetts Cross, despite a less-than-stellar start to the season, still holds the potential to prove himself as a top-tier competitor. The weekend also sees two high-profile Grand National Trials on either side of the Irish Sea, offering further insights into potential contenders for the Aintree classic.
Corbetts Cross Cheltenham Gold Cup Ascot Chase Galopin Des Champs Emmet Mullins Pic D'orhy L'homme Presse Grand National Trials
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