My Pension Expert Maghull Novices' Chase |
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| Grade 1, Aintree £120,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 1m 7f 176y, Class 1  |
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Paul Nicholls remains upbeat about Kalif Du Berlais proving his true worth this spring, with Aintree looking the more likely destination over Cheltenham.
The five-year-old announced himself last season with a fine win in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton before finishing third behind Sir Gino at Aintree. However, his chasing career got off to a bruising start with a heavy fall at Carlisle. Undeterred, he bounced back in style with novice handicap victories at both Newbury and Cheltenham.
🔴⚪️ Kalif Du Berlais jumps like a buck around Cheltenham to win in a canter.
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) January 1, 2025
A lovely young horse with a great future! ✨️pic.twitter.com/IjwCkeVHld
Things didn’t quite go to plan last time out, though, as he trailed home last of four when stepped up in both trip and grade for the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown. That run has prompted Nicholls to revert to the tried-and-tested two-mile route for his next assignment.
Previously owned in part by the late John Hales, Kalif Du Berlais holds Cheltenham entries in the Arkle and Grand Annual, but his trainer is leaning towards the Maghull Novices’ Chase at the Grand National meeting instead.
Reflecting on Sandown, Nicholls said: “John had just passed away, and I couldn’t run him against L’Eau Du Sud in the Kingmaker at Warwick because of the same connections, so we went for the Scilly Isles. What it told us is that he doesn’t want two and a half miles in deep ground.
“He’s a two-miler, no doubt. He showed that at Cheltenham earlier in the season and has bags of ability.
“He’s got a couple of Cheltenham entries—he’s still in the Arkle, but wouldn’t run unless something happens to L’Eau Du Sud, and he’s also in the Grand Annual. He’s now up to a mark of 152, which makes life tricky in a handicap, so I’m inclined to keep him fresh and target the Grade One at Aintree. The track will suit him well.
“He’s only five, and I’m convinced we haven’t seen the best of him yet. Another summer under his belt, and we can kick off next season in the Haldon Gold Cup. One thing’s for sure—he’s a proper two-miler.”
Maghull Novices' Chase 2024
£120,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 1m 7f 176y, Class 1
10 ran
Going: Soft, Heavy in places
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Found A Fifty 7 11-7 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 11/8F
2 hd Master Chewy 7 11-7 Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Bellamy 10/1
3 11 Libberty Hunter 8 11-7 Evan Williams Harry Cobden 33/1
4 ¾ Hercule Du Seuil 7 11-7 W P Mullins Mark Walsh 4/1
5 nk Quilixios 7 11-7 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 18/1
6 7½ Silent Approach 6 11-0 C O'Keeffe Danny Mullins 66/1
7 4¼ Etalon 7 11-7 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 9/1
8 2¼ Djelo 6 11-7 Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch 16/1
9 5 Nickle Back 8 11-7 Sarah Humphrey James Best 15/2
10 4 Matata 6 11-7 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 14/1
