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14:35 Aintree

Martell Cognac Cup Chase (Class A)

  • 7 Runners
  • Distance: 3m 1f
  • Going: Mildmay & Hurdles Course Good, Grand National Course Gd, G/F
Weighed In
  • Winning Time: 6m 22.50s
  • 7 Ran
Go to Full Result
1
Silk -

First Gold (FR)

14/1

    2
    Silk -

    Lady Cricket (FR)

    6/1

      1
      Silk - MAUVE and PINK check, WHITE sleeves

      Marlborough (IRE)

      21
      9/1
      • Form 0-102F0
      • Age 11
      • Weight 11-12

      led to 2nd, chased winner after, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next

      2
      Silk - Royal Blue And White hoops, checked cap

      More Than A Stroll (IRE)

      47
      20/1
      • Form F-11421
      • Age 11
      • Weight 11-12

      held up, ridden approaching 14th, weakened 5th, blundered 4 out, pulled up before 2 out

      3
      Silk - DARK GREEN, WHITE chevron, LIGHT GREEN sleeves, DARK GREEN and WHITE check cap

      Valley Henry (IRE)

      21
      11/8
      • Form 1-11414
      • Age 8
      • Weight 11-12

      chased leaders, driven 15th, weakened from 2 out

      4
      Silk - DARK GREEN and WHITE stripes, BLACK and WHITE striped sleeves

      Barton

      21
      12/1
      • Form 101-036
      • Age 10
      • Weight 11-7

      held up in rear, mistake 2nd, driven 5 out, soon weakened

      5
      Silk - ROYAL BLUE, EMERALD GREEN sleeves, WHITE cap, EMERALD GREEN spots

      Lady Cricket (FR)

      22 b
      6/1
      • Form 12-2135
      • Age 9
      • Weight 11-7

      held up, driven 12th, soon outpaced, kept on flat, no chance with winner

      6
      Silk - White, Dark Blue hoop, White sleeves, Dark Blue armlets, White cap, Dark Blue star

      Commanche Court (IRE)

      21
      10/3
      • Form 42P-316
      • Age 10
      • Weight 11-6

      held up in touch, driven 12th, ridden approaching 4 out, went second after 2 out, kept on one pace

      7
      Silk - Emerald green, orange hoops, white cap

      First Gold (FR)

      21 b
      14/1
      • Form 34-303P
      • Age 10
      • Weight 11-2

      led from 2nd, made rest, clear approaching 3 out, unchallenged

      Previous results

      2002
      Silk -

      Florida Pearl (IRE)

      5/2
      • Age 10
      • Weight 11-12

      2001
      Silk -

      First Gold (FR)

      7/4
      • Age 8
      • Weight 12-0

      2000
      Silk -

      See More Business (IRE)

      5/4
      • Weight 12-0

      In depth

      Verdict

      A decent renewal with the winner of this back in 2001 First Gold attempting to get his head in front for the first time since then. A high-class chaser at his best, he has lost his way somewhat and it remains to be seen whether the first time blinkers have the desired effect. Commanche Court comes here fresher than most at this time of year. He has found winning difficult in recent years, although it has to be said, he does mix it with the best around. The winner of the Martell Novices' Chase here last year, Barton has yet to run to anything like that form in three outings since and has plenty to prove. Strictly on official ratings, More Than A Stroll has something to find. However, his trainer isn't in the habit of sending his horse over here unless they have a chance, so he deserves respect. Lady Cricket must be the best mare in training. She is as tough as old boots, but with doubts about the drying ground and the ability to stay this trip, she looks one of the less likely winners. Marlborough runs here in preference to the National on Saturday. He had a hard race when chasing home Best Mate in the King George, and has failed to sparkle since. It is interesting to see connections have put the cheekpieces on him, in an effort to rekindle his enthusiasm, but he may be best watched until showing signs of a revival. The vote goes to Valley Henry, who ran his socks off in the Gold Cup. This sharp, flat, left-handed circuit looks tailor made for him and providing he is over his Cheltenham excerptions, he looks the one to be with.