Pattern Race Review: Volume 1

Old Roan Chase:

Monet's Garden was back to his very best to win this race for a second time, clearly much fitter than he was when down the field last year. He showed that he doesn't stay three miles in top company when tried in the 2007 King George, so expect him to take in the Peterborough Chase (which he won last year) and possibly the Ascot Chase en route to another crack at the Ryanair Chase come March. His best chance of a Grade 1 success will come over this course and distance in the Melling Chase at the Grand National meeting. It's worth reiterating that he's rising 12, however.

Tidal Bay ran respectably on balance in second but looks like a horse who still has problems and I doubt that those can be rectified by a wind op. As an Arkle Chase winner who arguably stays three miles, races like the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Boylesports Gold Cup could be on the agenda should connections want to pursue the handicap route. He's the type to disappoint regularly but then pop up when not expected. Tartak eventually went off favourite but jumped poorly throughout, and while time is on his side, he needs to prove his wellbeing after finishing well tailed off.

Persian War Novices Hurdle:
Reve De Sivola proved himself a very smart prospect at this trip with a decisive win. The only note of caution I would sound is over his jumping technique, looking sloppy at two or three, and he'll need to brush up on that. He can be expected to go to the Challow Hurdle at Newbury next before a possible Festival warm up in the Classic Novices' hurdle on Trials Day. That is the route taken by stablemate Diamond Harry last year.

totetentofollow.co.uk Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle:
A smart performance from another four-year-old here in the shape of Mr Thriller in the colours of Joe Moran. David Pipe's charge had run very well in defeat in the Imperial Cup and Fred Winter last season, but looks to have scope to improve considerably on that upped in trip. His owner won the Coral Cup and Aintree Hurdle with Ilnamar some years ago and this horse looks as good; he can make a bid for a graded success in the Coral Ascot Hurdle next month. Bakbenscher caught the eye running on from a bad position and in the wrong part of the track and remains one to follow.