Thornton hopes high for Rembrandt
Andrew Thornton is convinced Sir Rembrandt can make a mockery of the recent formbook by winning the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.
The 10-year-old has been disappointing this season, but showed glimpses of his true ability in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27.
Robert Alner’s gelding was bang in contention in the Grade Three event only to lose his chance when he and Thornton fell five fences from home.
Prior to the Welsh National, Sir Rembrandt had been pulled up on his last three outings at Aintree, Cheltenham and Haydock.
Thornton is convinced he is finally back on the upgrade, however, and will be well primed to launch a bold bid at the weekend.
“Sir Rembrandt’s grand and came out of his fall none the worse,” said Thornton, who has ridden the horse in 19 of his 22 races.
“He was just a bit unlucky because he put his landing gear out a bit quick and slid on landing at Chepstow.
“I’d have definitely been in the top three if he’d have stayed on his feet.
“I think Warwick will suit him and he wouldn’t be running if he wasn’t in form.
“The ground will work for him and he’s also good at left-handed tracks.
“He also does well in these extended contests because he only really gets going in the last half mile.”
Thornton attributed Sir Rembrandt’s recent poor run to a muscle problem, which was part-responsible for his no-show at Haydock in December, when he had to be pulled up and dismounted three out.
But now Alner’s charge is back to full fitness, the 33-year-old rider is hoping the gelding can reproduce the kind of form that saw him finish third behind Kicking King in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year.
Thornton added: “Since that Haydock run he’s had extensive acupuncture on his back every week just to fine-tune him because he is quite long in the back.
“It seems to be working so there is now no need to change things if they don’t need fixing.
“That Chepstow run was the first time he has shown anything since the Gold Cup and if he’s back to his best, I think he’s got an outstanding chance.
“And even if he didn’t do himself justice at the weekend, I would be surprised if he didn’t go for the Gold Cup again.”
Sir Rembrandt is currently a 12-1 chance with the sponsors to land the three-mile-five-furlong event, for which 13 runners have been declared, including top weight and favourite Joaaci.
Martin Pipe’s improving six-year-old, who will carry 11st 12lb, is a general 20-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Pipe also runs Control Man, while recent Haydock winner Double Honour takes his chance for Philip Hobbs.
Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented by Shardam, but not last year’s winner Baron Windrush,who misses the race after developing an infection.
The Naunton handler explained: “He’s fine but he’s just not quite well enough to run.
“We wanted to win and we didn’t think he was going to win, so we are not running him.”
Paul Nicholls has left in 25-length Newbury winner Eurotrek, while Nick Williams will give Dead-Eyed Dick, who has won three of his last four races, another chance to shine at the Warwickshire venue.
Alan King’s dual-purpose performer Crystal D’Ainay, Glen Warrior and Artic Jack, who finished second behind Double Honour at Haydock, also line up.
Victory Gunner, Granit D´Estruval and Kittenkat complete the field.
Joaaci was trimmed to 9-4 from 5-2 with the sponsors, having been available on Monday at 4-1.
Spokesman Damian Walker said: “We have laid three horses in our ante-post market – Joaaci, Dead-Eyed-Dick and Sir Rembrandt.”
Totesport Classic Chase, sponsors bet: 9-4 Joaaci, 6-1 Dead-Eyed Dick, Eurotrek, 15-2 Artic Jack, Double Honour, 12-1 Control Man, Crystal D’Ainay, Sir Rembrandt, 16-1 Granit D’Estruval, 25-1 Glen Warrior, Shardam, 33-1 Victory Gunner, 100-1 Kittenkat.
