Carlito can Triumph
ALIVAN, trained by Edward O Grady, went into the big 3 year-old hurdle at the Leopardstown Christmas festival with a sky-high reputation and a general quote of 8/1 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Previously trained by John Oxx for the Aga Khan, Alivan had opened his hurdling career in stylish fashion at Gowran a month previously, coming home 20 lengths clear of the opposition.
Opposing him at Leopardstown was Carlito Brigante, trained by Gordon Elliot and in the new ownership of Gigginstown Stud. A 20/1 chance in the betting, Carlito Brigante was hardly regarded as a serious rival for Alivan, but he belied his odds in tremendous fashion as he routed the favourite by an ever-increasing 11-length winning margin – quickening clear off the home turn after jockey Davy Russell gave him the office.
With the Triumph at Cheltenham in mind, Carlito Brigante's victory was eye-catching. One might argue that Alivan pulled too hard early-on, but that should not take from the unexposed winner who travelled ominously well throughout the race for Davy Russell.
Sure to improve in good ground, Carlito Brigante is currently trading at 14/1 for the Triumph. I think he is certain to start a lot shorter on the day and I give him the nap vote to get the Irish off to a great start on the final day of the festival.
Captain for the Arkle
Racing is all about contrasting opinions. When a challenging horse comes down at the final flight, those opinions become entrenched. 'Fences are there to be jumped and the eventual winner was well in control' being rebutted by the view of others 'bar the fall, he would have come home alone'.
At the Leopardstown Christmas meeting opinions were certainly divided between Sizing Europe and Captain Cee Bee after the latter had fallen at the final fence in the Grade One Bord Na Mona sponsored novice chase. As it happened, Sizing Europe went on to beat the front-running Osana by five lengths.
Interpreting that form with the Arkle at Cheltenham in mind is all about opinion. Personally, I don't have any doubt but that Captain Cee Bee would have slaughtered Sizing Europe had he safely negotiated the final obstacle.
What cements that view is the fact that Osana, going up-and-down in the one spot over the final two furlongs was able to get within five lengths of Sizing Europe at the line – surely Captain Cee Bee would have beaten Osana by 15 lengths plus, had he stood up.
At Cheltenham in March, Captain Cee Bee will likely have A.P. McCoy in the saddle for the Arkle – current odds of 11/2 look attractive.
- David MCMAHON
