Eldorado Allen (13/2) made it two wins from as many chase starts when striking in the G2 From The Horse's Mouth Podcast Novices' Chase, although his task was made significantly easier after Gumball fell when leading.
Gumball jumped boldly in front from the outset and looked to have his five rivals in trouble turning for home, only to depart at the second-last fence. His exit left Eldorado Allen in front and the Colin Tizzard-trained chaser coasted home under Robbie Power, finishing 19 lengths clear of Quel Destin.
Paddy Power responded by introducing the winner at 20/1 for the G1 Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy at The Festival™.
Colin Tizzard said: “The horses have been struggling for consistency for the past 10 days. However, they are running fine now and I think they are just fit now.
“I think everyone else had their horses ready before we did. It is a long old season anyway, but with hindsight we are happy it has worked out that way.
“Some of Eldorado Allen’s form was outstanding. Last year when he came in, he was fine, but then got real light on us. This year he is a big strong horse who I think is the best two-mile chaser we have had, I can’t think of any that have been better than him anyway.
“He will be ready for a run in about a month so something like the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown will probably fit in nicely."
Robbie Power said: "My lad was staying on well. He is a strong stayer on soft ground over two miles. I am not saying I definitely would have won, but I wasn't done with - I was still picking up off the bend, and in novice chasing jumping is the name of the game and that is exactly what he has done today - he jumped from fence to fence.
“He felt great the whole way and is a really nice horse going forward."
1.40pm From The Horse's Mouth Podcast Novices' Chase (Grade 2) 1m 7f 199y
1 Eldorado Allen – Colin Tizzard 6-11-02 Robbie Power 13/2
2 Quel Destin – Paul Nicholls 5-11-02 Harry Cobden 7/2
3 Le Patriote – Dr Richard Newland 8-11-02 Sam Twiston-Davies 18/1
8 ran
11/10 fav Fussil Raffles (PU)
Distances: 19, nk
Tote win: £7.30 Places: £2.60 £1.90 Exacta: £26.20 Trifecta: £176.30
