Oscar performance from Finian's in Cheltenham victory

The ground was officially good to soft as Cheltenham’s November meeting began last Friday, but according to the jockeys it was already soft. Rain fell throughout Saturday and conditions became even more testing.

Oxwich Bay
Second, 2m½f novice handicap hurdle, Cheltenham, Friday, November 17
This son of Westerner hadn’t taken the eye in the paddock when I saw him finishing second at Kempton a week earlier, but he looked bonny and bright on this occasion. He was 6lb well in after that run and for the second time in a row he did nothing wrong, bumping into another rival who was well ahead of his mark. He will have to run off his proper rating next time, but he is open to improvement.

Magic Dancer had a quick turnaround after winning at Kempton four days earlier but looked full of health as he bounced around the paddock. Always travelling well within himself, he cut his way through the field to come there full of running with two to jump and once over the last he went bounding up the hill. However, I suspect life will be a lot harder now the handicapper has had his say.

Champagne City, who has been in good form of late, turned up fighting fit and ran another honest race. He is still only four and physically he has a decent frame to fill.

Zalvados looked in decent shape and ran a personal best in fourth.
Canny Tom, Banditry and Arty Campbell all looked in fairly good shape.

War On The Rocks looked in rude health, but he was out the back and made a lung-bursting run to get into contention with three to go, which took its toll in the closing stages.

Finian’s Oscar
Winner, 2m4½f novice chase, Cheltenham, Friday
This five-year-old became the first horse of his age to win the race in ten years. None of the field were big, robust types, but I thought this son of Oscar was the most athletic among them. His jumping was decent given it was his first time at Cheltenham and he can only improve for the experience. I like the way his jockey didn’t panic once headed between the last two and his big asset is the turn of foot he showed to quicken to the line.
I would have no problems with him dropping back to 2m as long as he gets a solid pace to aim at.

Movewiththetimes is solidly made. His jumping does need a little fine-tuning, especially the way he gave the final fence so much air, but that should get better with practice. He is the type to appreciate running in a big field.

Coo Star Sivola had improved for his first run at Chepstow and probably put up the soundest round of jumping, but he was no match for the front two coming around the final bend.

William Henry was glowing with health, but he made a complete mess of the first and it looked as if it frightened him because he kept jumping to his right and in the end became impossible to steer. It is back to the schooling ground for this gelding.