Easy for Aiteen Thirtythree after Massini heartbreak
Tom George’s Tell Massini, the 8-11 favourite, supplemented a strong hurdling campaign with an impressive debut over the larger obstacles at Stratford last month but slid agonisingly slowly to the ground after the cross fence and veterinary officers later confirmed he had been put down.
Aiteen Thirtythree (13-2) has not yet lived up to the expectations of the Paul Nicholls stable, but his trainer is already hatching plans for next season after Noel Fehily kept him up to his work to finish 17 lengths clear.
“I know he has been a bit of a talking horse, but he has been so immature and even after he won at Cheltenham last time he had slightly sore shins,” said Nicholls.
“We won’t do a whole heap with him this season. He might come back here after Christmas and I’m not sure the hustle and bustle of the RSA Chase at Cheltenham will suit him.
“Even something like next year’s Hennessy will be ideal.”
Nicky Henderson was prepared to forgive and forget a couple of careless errors by Finian’s Rainbow on the way to a comprehensive 12-length victory in the Rooney/Hall Novices’ Chase.
Taking on just two opponents, exuberance got the better of the 2-5 favourite in the back straight but he was more pragmatic from thereon as Barry Geraghty eased him down to finish with plenty in hand over Hell’s Bay.
Finian’s Rainbow is expected to stay at the minimum distance with the Arkle Trophy in mind.
