Edwardstone and Es Perfecto might both be over-priced at Cheltenham this week-end

November 13

Our much-loved stable-star Edwardstone starts his final campaign on the racecourse on Friday, when he has his third crack at Cheltenham’s Grade 2 Shloer Chase, a race in which he has finished second and third to his arch-rival Jonbon in the last two runnings.

Just 12 months ago Edwardstone, who will be 12 on New Year’s Day, showed much of his old fire, chasing Jonbon up this same gruelling climb and only being beaten just over two lengths, losing second place close home.

Granted, this will be the eighth time that Edwardstone has gone head-to-head with Jonbon, and our fellow has come off second best on every occasion. However, he now receives 6lb from Jonbon, and if he can reproduce what was far and away his best run of the season last year he won’t be disgraced in what admittedly is a hot renewal.

Alan said:”Edwardstone has been working great and the way he attacks the hill every morning leaves us in no doubt that his enthusiasm is as strong as ever.

“He is rated 157 so we have no option but to continue down the graded race route, but there is a lot of good place money for these races, and he has shown us that he is in super form at home.”

On Saturday we have Es Perfecto going for the feature race, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and, while his odds are around 16-1, he has run well on all his three visits to Cheltenham, so it would be no surprise if he again made the frame.

Alan’s wife, Rachel, has been riding Es Perfecto a lot in the mornings, and she confirms that he is in terrific form. He equalled his career-best performance in the two and a half mile novices handicap chase at last season’s Festival and only just lost second place on the run-in.

The rain has also increased Alan’s hopes that Es Perfecto might well outrun his odds. He was an impressive winner of the Alanbrooke Chase over this distance last season at Sandown on easy ground, which is imperative for the 10-year-old, who has had leg trouble in the past.

Also in action at Prestbury Park on Saturday is Kittys Glance in the Mares Open Listed bumper. Alan said:”I am very happy with Kittys Glance and gave her just the one run last season, when she finished third at Huntingdon. She comes from a family which we know well (by Passing Glance out of a Midnight Legend mare) so we will take our time with her and stick with the bumper route for now,”