/ Timeform / 28 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Mount Oscar survives a blunder but cannot overhaul the younger Quinz
"Quinz put in such an exemplary round of fencing that connections are now very much considering the Grand National."
Timeform takes a look back at the best action from the weekend, where ever-softening conditions gave us some astonishing performances.
Saturday's card at Kempton looked full of quality on paper and it didn't disappoint, with novice Quinz emulating Gloria Victis by winning the highly-competitive Racing Post Chase despite only limited experience over fences, in the process continuing Philip Hobbs' and Richard Johnson's stranglehold on the valuable race.
Prominent throughout, Quinz put in such an exemplary round of fencing that connections are now very much considering the Grand National, despite his jockey not initially being convinced the horse was ready for such a test. The fact that he may never get another chance to race off 10-8 could shape their thoughts and there's every possibility that he may now miss the Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase at Cheltenham for the Aintree showpiece. He also has the option of the Mildmay Novices' Chase at the same meeting so it will be interesting as to where we see him next.
Mount Oscar rolled back the year's and nearly emulated Marlborough, who won the race aged twelve in 2004, when looking likely to overhaul the winner, before Quinz seemed to find more after the last. This was a spirited performance and, incredibly for one of his age, his highest rated effort over fences.
Nacarat ran a gallant race in third but the weight seemed to tell, possibly finding the rain-softened conditions more testing than he would have appreciated. It's hard to be certain whether the breathing operation and first-time tongue strap had any effect as it wasn't surprising that his effort petered out in the straight on the ground and we may know more when he is back on a better surface.
In the Pendil Novices' Chase, Captain Chris finally landed his first win over fences after succumbing to Ghizao (twice) and Medermit in his three chase starts. In all honesty this race wasn't much of a test for him though as American Trilogy's jumping left a lot to be desired, whilst Adams Island simply wasn't good enough. Like the same owner's Wishfull Thinking, Captain Chris is still in the RSA Chase, but recent reports suggest they could both take their chance in the Golden Miller, rather than take on the likes of Ghizao and Medermit again, and they are both strong contenders.
The Adonis Juvenile Hurdle saw a clutch of ex-French horses make their British debut and it was Arc winner Zarkava's half-brother Zarkandar who impressed most. Having apparently taken time to get over being gelded, Zarkandar created a good impression on his hurdling debut, suddenly appearing on the bridle in the straight after momentarily being out-paced by sharper rivals turning in. Somewhat excitable beforehand, his performance on track was thoroughly professional, and he now heads straight to the Triumph Hurdle, for which he is now one of the leading fancies.
Runner-up Molotof , who's fluent jumping allowed him to travel well throughout the race, ran an encouraging race before being overhauled close home and can surely win good races for a trainer who won the race with Punjabi, Binocular and Soldatino in the last four years.
The Dovecote Novices' Hurdle provided a very impressive winner in Sire de Grugy, who had no trouble ploughing through the soft ground and stepped up on his minor wins at Fakenham and Folkestone to put himself firmly in line for further Graded success. He won't have that opportunity at Cheltenham, however, as he is not entered in anything, but Aintree beckons and providing he gets his conditions, he'll be a force to be reckoned with as his jumping looks assured and he's open to more improvement.
Paul Nicholls will have been disappointed with the running of Toubab, whose ability to jump probably wasn't helped by the soft ground, but he will have been delighted with the progress of Empire Levant, who stepped out of juvenile company with a highly promising, albeit well-beaten, second. He too may prefer better ground so is one to follow closely back on more suitable terrain.
In the concluding bumper, Oscar Magic opened his account at the first time of asking, at the expense of previous winner Tour d'Argent. He clearly knew his job, responding well when pressed to record a pleasing win and he looks to have a bright future over hurdles. In the meantime, however, he's now close up in the market for the Champion Bumper at the Festival.
Heavy conditions at Newcastle produced an Eider that caused some within the industry to question it's four mile one furlong distance, as the race itself reduced most competitors to a walk, none more so than eventual third Morgan Be, who somehow scrambled over the last to bag some prize money after being all but pulled up in the straight. All the plaudits must go to winner Companero however, as he brushed off his trainer's pre-race talks of retirement with a pillar-to-post victory, showcasing a foot-perfect round of jumping and seemingly endless reserves of stamina to win by 30 lengths from the very tired Giles Cross. The runner-up, who loves heavy ground but may not have stayed the full marathon distance, was the only horse to give chase to the winner and deserves full credit for doing so.
Despite having what looked a very hard race, both horses have been reported to be none the worse for their exertions, but time will tell whether it will have left its mark permanently.
Switching codes, there was also quality action on the all-weather at Lingfield where the front-running Waveband produced a career-best in taking the Listed Cleeves Stakes from another filly in Anne of Kiev. Seemingly thriving since joining David Barron in October of last year, she is equally as effective on turf so connections have an exciting prospect to start the season with.
On Sunday, the Graded action continued at Fontwell where Celestial Halo confirmed his well-being with victory in the National Spirit Hurdle. Not having to match his Kingwell performance of a week ago, he nonetheless impressed by backing the performance up with another classy effort and is now due to attempt to right the wrongs of last year's fall when leading in the Aintree Hurdle. In this form he will be a major player.
Of the supporting races, Fruity O'Rooney was perhaps the classiest performer and he made all to win the novices' chase, carrying on the Moore family's fine form after Sire de Grugy's performance yesterday. However, he is now going to be hard to place with a double penalty from now on and is seemingly no better than a fairly useful staying novice.
Timeform takes a look back at the best action from the weekend, where ever-softening conditions gave us some astonishing performances....
Fifty of the best prospects for the Flat from Timeform's experts, plus big-name interviews & much, much more. Read on to find out exactly what's inside......
The calm before the Cheltenham storm somewhat, but this week's action is set to feature some good horses and lots of opportunities to bolster you betting kitty for the Festival......
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