Nicky Henderson's French inmate out of Lavandou made a fantastic start to life in England by winning the Tolworth hurdle, albeit beating a below par Prospect Wells and a hanging Colour Squadron. It seemed that he would be the novice to come through and challenge at the top. However Henderson kept him on the quiet side with the plan of chasing this year on the agenda.
He disappointed majorly at Leopardstown in a race won by Benefficient (50/1) before again putting in a below par effort at Kelso. It appeared that the Tolworth victory was just a fluke, until he dropped back to two miles at Aintree. Looking like the winner for much of the straight he eventually gave way and settled for second behind Darlan (2nd in the supreme). That day was probably his best run to date and reinstalled the faith of his followers.
In truth Chasing always was going to be his game and his stature suggests that. He is an absolute mountain of a horse towering well above the others in the field and should take to fences nicely. The main danger in the early market for the Arkle is stablemate Simonsig who is sure to be the mount of Barry Geraghty. The presence of him could just mean Captain Conan goes a little under the radar. Another possibility is a crack at 2 and a half miles, he looks like a horse that will get further in time, however last year he barely got over two miles.
This season should bring a new lease of life to Captain Conan and i'd be surprised if at the end of the year he weren't one of the top novices. Available right now at around 14/1 for the Arkle and 16/1 for The Jewson in March, im not sure as of yet what route they are taking with him, or where his first run shall be.
Thanks guys, happy punting.
P.S Agent Archie looks a steal at Stratford tomorrow in the 1:35, 2/1 is available. If fit he should win after being a very useful novice last year.
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