Banbridge ran out a sparkling winner of the From The Horses Mouth Podcast Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
Joseph O'Brien's charge, who took the Martin Pipe at the Festival in March and landed a novice chase at Gowran on his fencing debut last month, was always travelling and jumping sweetly under J J Slevin.
Tommy's Oscar likewise tanked through the race but after momentarily being short of room turning in, it soon became clear he wasn't going to get to the leader.
At the line Banbridge had six lengths in hand of his rival who was left clear in second when Glory And Fortune unseated Stan Sheppard two out.
O’Brien said: “JJ gave him a lovely ride and it was an impressive performance. The British opponents had high ratings and the other Irish horse (Sole Pretender) is a good one as well, so we knew it was a hot race. We came here obviously for a bit of nice ground, but also to see how he would handle the drop to two miles. His jumping looked good and was well able to keep him in the race. I think he took a stride out at the top, maybe it was the last one down the back and my heart was in my mouth a little bit watching him, but he made up a couple of lengths at the fence, which I thought was impressive.
“That is only his second run over fences, but he seems to have taken to it well and he’s an exciting horse going forward, for sure. All roads lead to March – there is no denying that – but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge before that. We were not sure about coming back in trip and there is only one way to find out. We knew he was a pretty slick jumper and we thought that was hopefully going to keep him in the race.
“It was a decision discussed with Ronnie (Bartlett, owner) earlier in the week, because he had an option in Cork last weekend over two and a half, but the ground was heavy and we obviously entered here and Ronnie decided maybe this was the right race for him, because we were getting nice ground and he obviously has course form and I was in full agreement. I think we can be flexible (trip-wise) and take it on a race-by-race basis, but it is very nice to know he can perform well at two miles.”
Asked if he had to make a decision as to his trip now, he replied: “Which is the easier race? Well, there you go.”
He added: “We are absolutely 100 per cent satisfied and he has come up the hill well. This is a track where it helps to have course from and we knew that from his novice hurdle campaign and it is not a bad track to be able to handle.”
Bartlett said: “It looked special, didn’t it? I’m very happy. It is just great for the way it turned out. He was a bit scary – a bit flamboyant – but scary in a good way. We are not complaining. Let the horse see how the horse comes out of the race. It keeps the dream alive. It keeps us out of trouble.”
Sky Bet cut the winner to 12s from 25s for the Sporting Life Arkle while Betfair and Paddy Power are 16s from 20s for that race and 10/1 from 20s for the Turners Novices' Chase.
"That was a smart performance from Banbridge who jumped beautifully throughout. He beat a very good horse in Tommy’s Oscar and looks a major player for the 2023 Sporting Life Arkle," said Sky Bet Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners.
Ian Hamilton, owner and assistant trainer of runner-up Tommy’s Oscar, said: “This was ‘Plan B’ after they abandoned Carlisle on Monday, but he ran well. He boiled over last time he was here so we’re pleased and we get our diesel money on the way home!
“Danny (McMenamin) said he needed it again but we could come back for the Arkle next year. There’s a race at Carlisle at the end of the month we could go for next but that may be a bit quick for him and he’s still in the Fighting Fifth too.”
McMenamin added: "We’re very pleased with him and he’s done nothing wrong today. He got a little bit tight turning in once they got racing but he settled a lot better today than he did in the Champion Hurdle. He prefers a flat track but he came down the hill and stayed up it alright – he got it away with it anyways.
“He’s got a nice future anyways and hopefully we can win a few nice prizes with him.”
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