Improving Astracad fits the mould for Twiston-Davies
There should be no doubt that Nigel Twiston-Davies has targeted this race for some time with the five-year-old as he carries the colours of the lady after whom the race is named. The Mould family, part-owners of 1988 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Charter Party, have had their famous green silks with white stars carried to victory by numerous notable performers, including 2002 Aintree Grand National winner Bindaree who was also trained by Twiston-Davies, and winning this race would clearly mean a lot to connections.
Of course, that wouldn’t mean a lot to punters if the horse did not have the credentials to win today’s race, but this improving young chaser looks exactly the right type for this assignment.
He made a winning start to his chasing career when accounting for Blenheim Brook at Perth in September before a slightly disappointing display behind Champion Court at Aintree a month later.
However, he showed something more akin to the ability we know he possesses when chasing home Al Ferof in a Grade 2 Novices’ event here at Cheltenham last month.
Although it’s hard to gauge what the winner did for the form when just holding off For Non Stop in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown recently, Astracad was noted pulling well clear of the remainder of the field.
He dips his toe into handicap chase company for the first time, with a mark of 138, and he could prove well treated.
He held a rating of 140 over the smaller obstacles and looks the type that could do better in this sphere. He’s also got a handy weight from which to operate and, while he must concede experience to his rivals, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ horses usually come to the track knowing exactly what’s required of them.
Dave’s Dream ran a little better than his finishing position suggests in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and shouldn’t be underestimated, despite Barry Geraghty choosing Tanks For That.
