Scottish Grand National Festival: Bristol De Mai to shine in Novices’ Chase
David Metcalf | April 15, 2016
Bristol looks Champion in novices’ chase at Ayr
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has his team in terrific shape, and Bristol De Mai can take advantage of a drop in class to provide him with another winner in the Grade 2 Future Champion Novices’ Chase at Ayr (14.25) on Coral Scottish Grand National Day.
The gelding has won four of his seven starts over fences, and was very impressive in the last of those when landing the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown by six lengths.
Bristol De Mai jumped superbly well at the head of affairs in the hands of Daryl Jacob, and kept up a relentless gallop in the home straight to easily beat As De Mee.
It was a performance which oozed class, and with the highly regarded Tea For Two finishing another length back in third the form has a rock solid look to it.
Cheltenham run sets a clear standard
Bristol De Mai has since gone on to finish a fine second to Black Hercules in the Grade 1 JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, sticking to the task well to be beaten three lengths after getting outpaced rounding the home turn.
That form sets a clear standard in this line-up, and a repeat of that effort is going to make Bristol De Mai very hard to beat now eased in grade.
Henryville open to further improvement
Henryville has a progressive profile over the larger obstacles and looks the main danger to Bristol De Mai in receipt of 3lb.
The Harry Fry trained eight-year-old has won two of his three starts over fences, and in the last of those scored in terrific style at Exeter.
Henryville jumped well and after making smooth headway from the rear to take up the running three from home cruised clear to win easing down by three lengths from Golden Doyen.
It was a most taking performance against a highly regarded rival, and the third home Thomas Crapper has since come out and won a competitive handicap at Newbury.
That gives the form a solid look, and Henryville is strong travelling sort who has a good turn of foot and looks sure to give Bristol De Mai plenty to think about.
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Coral’s top tip: Bristol De Mai has some top class form to his name and rates a solid bet to get back to winning ways now eased in grade.
