Can Clan Des Obeaux shrug off the doubts with Denman Chase victory?

Saturday: 2.25 Newbury
Betfair Denman Chase (Grade 2) | 2m7½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

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On the figures this should be a penalty kick for four-time Grade 1 winner Clan Des Obeaux as none of his rivals have come close to striking at the top level.

The 2019 Denman winner is rated at least 6lb higher than his opponents and races off level weights against all bar De Rasher Counter, who hasn't run in 489 days and is using this as a springboard to the Grand National.

The general even-money about Clan Des Obeaux is fair on paper but there are reasons to tread cautiously as a backer.

Crucially, Paul Nicholls' team haven't been firing recently. The champion trainer hasn't had a runner since Greaneteen proved bitterly disappointing in the Dublin Chase last Sunday and until at least a mini-resurgence is established it is impossible to retain maximum faith.

It should also be recalled that Clan Des Obeaux had a hard race when second in the King George behind Tornado Flyer last time and that might have left a mark.

He was also beaten in a weaker running of the Denman last season by stablemate Secret Investor and, lastly, he is ten now and age will catch up with him eventually.

Royale Pagaille is the likeliest to serve it up to Clan Des Obeaux on ratings and presents a major threat.

While the Venetia Williams-trained eight-year-old encounters markedly different ground than for his second Peter Marsh success last month, it is dangerous to pigeonhole him as merely a Haydock mud-lover.

He finished lame when a well-held sixth in last season’s Gold Cup on good to soft (a stiff task for a novice anyway) and he might have needed his return when a 22-length second to A Plus Tard on the same going in the Betfair Chase in November.

Royale Pagaille is entering his prime now and the Williams stable continues to excel. We could be looking at Gold Cup quotes at half the price of the general 20-1 available come 2.35pm.

Of the rest, Imperial Aura is a talented chaser but form figures of UPFP make him difficult to fancy, while Eldorado Allen has something to find on form and whether this first attempt at 2m7½f will suit is questionable.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

'Cheekpieces have sharpened him up'

This race can be a stepping stone to Cheltenham and potential Gold Cup glory. Kauto Star and Denman used it for exactly that purpose, as did Long Run, Silviniaco Conti, Native River and Clan Des Obeaux.

After his win in 2019, when the race was switched to Ascot, Clan Des Obeaux went to Cheltenham as a 5-1 chance for the Gold Cup but faded from the second-last. It was suggested then that Cheltenham perhaps was not for him. The following year's Gold Cup proved it.

So while the likes of Royale Pagaille and Imperial Aura will be turning up with connections hoping their illusions of grandeur are not shattered, for the Paul Barber-owned and Cheltenham-avoiding Clan Des Obeaux, running in the race named after Barber's best horse, this is a major target. There is no race his owner enjoys winning more.

Trainer Paul Nicholls believes the application of cheekpieces since last year's defeat will make all the difference to Clan Des Obeaux.

"He ran in this last year and just got beat," he said. "Since he's had the cheekpieces on they've sharpened him up a lot. The ground will suit him and he's in good shape. His two big races after this will be Aintree and Punchestown."

What they say

Charlie Deutsch, rider of Royale Pagaille
I'll try to get him jumping and keep it straightforward. There are not too many runners so we want to make sure it's a true gallop. If they aren't going quick enough he can stride on and he doesn't wander. He seems in good form at home and he did have a tough race last time, but I wouldn't be worried about that at all.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Eldorado Allen
It looks a nice race for him and the step up in trip will do him good. On ratings he has a bit to find, but this has been the plan for a while.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Imperial Aura
He's in good form. He was wrong when he ran last time, so he's had a bit of a break. I'm happy with his preparation and I'm hoping he can run a big race.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of De Rasher Counter
This season has been all about the Grand National and to fit the conditions he has to run in a chase. He had his leg issue 18 months ago but he's ready to go and this felt like a good place to start him. I didn't want to run him in a big handicap with lots of weight. He's got plenty of ability and I think he'll travel away with them without any issues. Whether he takes a blow when they quicken, we'll see, but he's definitely ready and needs to blow away the cobwebs.
Reporting by Stuart Riley

Saturday previews:

1.15 Newbury: will weight concession prove too much for leading festival fancy Bravemansgame?

2.05 Warwick: trainer views and insight for Kingmaker clash between Edwardstone and Third Time Lucki

3.00 Newbury: 'Still improving' Hitman bids to get Paul Nicholls back on track in Game Spirit

3.15 Warwick: 'He's working nicely and well capable' – analysis and quotes for tricky handicap

3.35 Newbury: key trainer quotes and analysis for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury

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