By Andrew Atkinson
Defi Du Seuil, trained by Philip Hobbs got the better of Un De Sceaux in winning a fourteenth race in 20 outings at Ascot on Saturday, landing the Matchbrook Clarence House Chase.
Defi Du Seuil (11-10) – headline tip – amongst a fromthehorsesmouth.tips winning treble, will now head straight for the Cheltenham Festival in March, said jubilant trainer Hobbs.
Defi Du Seuil gained a 2 3/4 length win against Un De Sceaux, under jockey Barry Geraghty over 2m, with bookies earmarking him favourite for the Champion Chase at 2-1.
“It was dazzling – and breathtaking -he has so much scope. A horse that’s up for it,” said Geraghty.
Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival and a head-to-head with Altior, Geraghty said: “I’m relishing the chance to win the Champion Chase – again – the dream is alive. “Altior is a superstar – but if that’s the race ‘Defi’ goes for – you look forward to it.”
Hobbs said: “We were very hopeful that he might win – but I couldn’t imagine he would go and do it that easily.”
On the Cheltenham Festival, Hobbs said: “We have the option of the Ryanair – but the Champion Chase is more likely.
“He’ll go straight to Cheltenham. Touchwood – he’s always been a very sound horse – and we hope he can go on doing it for some time yet.”
Geraghty added: “It was brilliant – a tactical race. I needed to switch him on and he showed great pace.”
Hobbs, who claimed the winner’s purse of £85,000, added: “He travelled – and jumped – well throughout.”
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