Caribean Boy and Itchy Feet go head-to-head in graduation chase cracker

Caribean Boy: bids for third win over fencesCredit: Edward Whitaker

1.15 Ascot
Injured Jockeys Fund Graduation Chase | 2m5f | 4yo+ | Sky

The market forecasts a close-run race between Caribean Boy and Itchy Feet, a fact which both trainers of the leading protagonists are fully aware.

Caribean Boy made quite a splash when flooring odds-on favourite Fiddlerontheroof in a Grade 2 novice chase at Newbury last month to take his record to two wins from three starts since moving to Lambourn from France.

There was speculation immediately afterwards that he could be the type to exploit his mark in a fiercely competitive, valuable handicap, such was the assurance of his jumping that day, but Nicky Henderson is happy to continue with his education in the calmer waters of graduation company.

“Caribean Boy was very good at Newbury where we thought he might need the run,” Henderson said. “He goes on soft and he gallops. Now we’re going out of novice company into a graduation – that’s the obvious stepping stone. There’s only four runners but it looks a good race.”

Although beaten in both starts so far this season, Itchy Feet, winner of the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown in February, has emerged with plenty of credit.

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After finishing third to Nuts Well in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree, Olly Murphy’s six-year-old took second place behind the talented Imperial Aura over this course and distance.

“He’s in good form and the softer it gets at Ascot, the better for him,” Murphy said. “Nicky Henderson’s horse will be hard to beat but I’m looking forward to running him.”