Harry Cobden produced another front-running master class when Kalif du Berlais dominated the persecution of Rosconn Maghull notices in Aintree.
Cobden hit Caldwell Potter on Friday on Friday and again joined his boss Ditcheat Paul Nicholls – this time to two miles – when they raised their second highest price of the week.
As with Caldwell Potter, Cobden wore the colors of the late John Hales and never missed the rhythm on board his mountain when he bounced back to his best on the sound surface and back down for a trip.
He sent well covered in 15/8, came home three and a half length from outsider Brookie Anthony Honeybal because 5/4 of the favorite L’u du Sud Dan Skelton could only finish the third.
He said, “It’s a really good horse and we ran him in Sandown because I didn’t want to take the l’u du du Sud (the same possession) (in Warwick) and John just died and it was probably a bad decision.
“I didn’t have anywhere else I couldn’t go, so we left it today. I’d like to let him run in Arkle, because I think she would go very close to Arkle.
“The fresh and very smart horse came. I thought he won today, and I probably got a dream more than anything else. But it’s a very smart horse and worked great. He’s only five, matures and the world is on his feet.
“I would like to think it’s a real Chase Horse champion for next season.”
The fourteen time champion added about the success of his chain in Aintree: “We had to be patient. I pulled my hair as some of them running, I don’t know what happened or where it went wrong. We actually vaccinated for any reason.
“It took them for ages to get in their hand, but now we are back where we want and our horses always like better and spring weather.
“Regent is walking almost for us almost three classes for us this week and he is a great horse that would chase along with Caldwell Potter and this horse, it is really exciting.
“This year it was a bit frustrating, but it’s good and it’s so exciting for next year.”
L’u du du Sud became the sixth appearance of the season, his handler felt his efforts during the campaign.
Skelton said, “He has been running since the end of October, so he was on the road for a long time. He showed us at home that he was ready to go again and run really well without seeing it absolutely the best.
“I’m proud of our horse, launched my race, refresh it with a good summer shutdown, and next year we’ll have some big dances.”
