Chasing a Fortune over fences

Victory might have eluded both Baron Noir and Favour And Fortune on day two of the Randox Grand National Festival, but the pair put in solid runs in defeat ahead of their switch to novice chase ranks next season.

First to take to the track was Favour And Fortune, who, after putting in an encouraging comeback run at Kempton Park in February, was bidding to go two places better than 12 months ago in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.

Despite being burdened with top weight the son of Soldier Of Fortune moved strongly into contention in between the final two flights to throw down his challenge.

However, a slightly untidy jump at the last cost him momentum at a vital stage, but in game fashion Favour And Fortune rallied back well to take third ahead of embarking on a novice chase career, which could begin later this spring.

Alan said: “Hopefully if he is okay we might jump a fence with him in May at the start of the new season and then put him away.

“He was all set to go chasing in the autumn, but he got injured and we had to give him a long break.

“There was no point jumping a fence in the second half of the season. I was delighted with how he run under twelve stone and he ran really well.”

And joining him over fences next season will be Baron Noir, who went one place better than on his Grade One debut in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when filling third at the same level in the ThatPrizeGuy Top Novices’ Hurdle.

Not only is a switch to chasing on the cards for the six year old, but Alan is also considering stepping the Vadamos gelding up in trip next term.

Alan said: “He has run great out there and he has learnt to settle. He probably wants two and a half miles going forward. He is now finished for the season and he will go novice chasing now.

“We might start him off at two miles over fences, but he will get further.”