Riverside can continue Henderson roll
He is going for an unprecedented four-timer in this contest and, I suppose, it is the height of folly to even dream of opposing him.
Paul Nicholls’ nine-year-old is almost unbeatable and, though very much having his own unique way of achieving things, always gets the job done in the end.
He warmed up for this test at Cheltenham in January when beating Dynaste by seven lengths.
At one stage it looked as if Big Buck’s might be in trouble, but then he came steaming through in the closing stages to score with plenty in hand.
The bottom line, however, is that there is little to be gained by being on his side here, because he is simply a very short price.
I propose taking a chance each-way on Nicky Henderson’s Oscar Whisky. He is a class act and should travel like a dream through the race.
Oscar Whisky has been in great form over flights this season and was then given a spin on the all-weather at Kempton last month, justifying long odds-on favouritism with a smooth performance.
We have to hope he has sufficient in the locker to see out three miles, but it appeals as a risk well worth taking.
On a card which offers punters little cause for optimism another Henderson inmate, Riverside Theatre, is the nap choice in the Ryanair Chase. He made a belated seasonal debut at Ascot last month and was quite impressive in beating Medermit by three lengths.
There are those who believe Riverside Theatre essentially needs to go right-handed, but he has won twice round Newbury.
Rubi Light is capable of a big run for Robbie Hennessy and Andrew Lynch, but really needs at least soft ground to be seen at his best.
Paul Nicholls’ rapidly improving Cristal Bonus gets a hopeful nod in the opening Jewson Novices’ Chase.
He has taken particularly well to fences, bolting in at Kempton and Chepstow, on completely different surfaces.
