Rosconn Group Maghull Novices' Chase
 AutoUpdating 150x150 Gif
Grade 1, Aintree 17:00
£120,000 guaranteed,
5yo plus,
1m 7f 176y, Class 1  
Saturday 12th April 2025

BetGoodwin

1 Kalif Du Berlais 15/8
2 Brookie 25/1
3 L'Eau du Sud 5/4F
5 ran NR: Only By Night
Distances: 3½l, 2l, 9l Time: 3m 51.68s (slow by 1.68s)

Harry Cobden delivered another front-running clinic aboard Kalif Du Berlais, who hardly saw a rival in a commanding victory – a ride that oozed confidence, composure, and a touch of class.

Fresh off a Grade One triumph with Caldwell Potter in Friday’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, Cobden was back in the spotlight – reunited with trainer Paul Nicholls and once again sporting the silks of the late John Hales. This time the stage was set over a slicker two miles, but the result was just as emphatic.

From flag fall, Kalif Du Berlais looked right at home on the drying ground and sharper trip – never missing a beat, never looking back. He was backed as if defeat wasn’t an option at 15-8 and duly obliged, skipping clear up the straight to win by a snug three and a half lengths.

Behind him, Brookie ran a blinder at big odds for Anthony Honeyball to grab second, while Dan Skelton’s favourite L’Eau Du Sud, perhaps feeling the effects of a long campaign, could only muster third.

The bookmakers reacted accordingly, with Paddy Power clipping Kalif Du Berlais into 25-1 for next year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase – a target that Nicholls was quick to acknowledge.

“He’s a seriously good horse,” Nicholls said. “We ran him at Sandown after John passed away – probably not the right call in hindsight, but we had nowhere else to go. Today, he was fresh and back on his game. I thought he’d win – maybe that’s me dreaming, but he’s been sparkling at home and he’s only five. The future’s wide open for him.

“If all goes to plan, he’s a real Champion Chase type. That’s the dream.”

Nicholls was reflective too, after a mixed season that seems to be finishing on a crescendo.

“We’ve had to be patient – things weren’t quite clicking earlier this year. We vaccinated the whole yard in January and I think that flattened them. But now they’re bouncing – better ground, spring in the air – and they’re flying again.

“Regent’s Stroll nearly made it three Grade Ones this week, and with him, Caldwell Potter and this horse, we’ve got some proper talent to go chasing with next season.”

For Skelton, it was a case of the tank running low for L’Eau Du Sud, who was making his sixth start since October.

“He’s been on the go a long time,” said Skelton. “We were happy with him at home, but maybe it just caught up with him today. He’s run with credit, we’ll give him a proper break and come back swinging next season.”

Boylesports

Maghull Novices' Chase
£120,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 1m 7f 176y, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Good

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Kalif Du Berlais 5 11-7 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 15/8
2 3½ Brookie 8 11-7 Anthony Honeyball Sam Twiston-Davies 25/1
3 2 L'Eau du Sud 7 11-7 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 5/4F
4 9 Touch Me Not 6 11-7 Gordon Elliott Sam Ewing 9/2
5 ½ Special Cadeau 7 11-7 Henry De Bromhead Darragh O'Keeffe 12/1
NR Only By Night 7 11-0 Gavin Cromwell Keith Donoghue

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