Calgary Bay

Ever since she saw the unnamed Taipan gelding loose schooling at Tom Costello's, Henrietta Knight felt she'd found a potential replacement for Best Mate. In terms of looks, it's hard to argue with her; tall, handsome and with palpable presence, he looks the perfect steeplechaser. Handsome is as handsome does, however, and Calgary Bay's record is threatening to turn ugly, despite a smattering of genuine brilliance. One win from six attempts over fences does scant justice to his latent talent, shown best when jumping with panache to beat Kicks For Free and Tartak in the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. That win garnered plaudits from many professionals and an expectation in many quarters of Festival glory, but in truth his subsequent starts were a bitter disappointment and his handicap mark has already been adjusted downwards to 142. There is little doubt that his current mark underplays his true ability ( the horses he beat in the Dipper are rated 147 and 154 respectively) and, since both his wins have come at Cheltenham, he can be expected to be aimed at those valuable open handicaps at Prestbury Park. Whether he can be relied upon to live up to his trainer's hopes remains to be seen, but he remains a fascinating prospect for now.