'He's in the form of his life' - can Malzard strike again on Kansas City Chief?

Saturday: 2.35 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Art Approval has competed solely at Cheltenham this season and his two starts at the track have turned out to have been in two of the strongest handicap hurdles run this campaign.

On his seasonal reappearance in October, Art Approval finished fourth and the first three were none other than Guard Your Dreams, Coole Cody and Captain Morgs. Guard Your Dreams has since won the International Hurdle and Coole Cody the Racing Post Gold Cup over fences, while Captain Morgs also won next time out in a competitive handicap hurdle at Ascot.

Art Approval was actually dropped 1lb by the handicapper for that effort and he took full advantage when landing a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at the November meeting.

That day, Art Approval had subsequent scorers Paricolor, My Bobby Dazzler and Alohamora behind and he was tidily clear at the line. No wonder the handicapper has gone for an 8lb rise.

His chance of defying the hike probably rests on him improving for the step up from 2m5f to 3m and, while his pedigree raises questions, he certainly shapes like he will stay the trip.

Olly Murphy has run only one horse in this race since taking out a licence and that was Skandiburg, who was successful the last time the race was run in 2020. Tamar Bridge represents Murphy this time and his profile is similar to Skandiburg's two years ago.

Skandiburg had won three of his previous six starts and Tamar Bridge has won four of his last five. Both horses won at Aintree, although Tamar Bridge’s win was over 2m4f and he has stamina to prove. However, there is a 3m1f hurdles winner in Tamar Bridge’s pedigree.

Dan Skelton is the other trainer to watch. He has a win and a place in the race from two runners and relies solely on the quirky but talented Spiritofthegames.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Malzard bids for more Cheltenham glory

Watching your offspring ride a winner is a proud moment for any parent, let alone on the biggest stage at Cheltenham, and Alyson Malzard will be cheering on her daughter Victoria aboard course regular Kansas City Chief in this 3m handicap hurdle.

The Neil Mulholland-trained Kansas City Chief turns 13 on Saturday but arrives at the peak of his powers on the back of two course handicap wins sandwiched between a Listed handicap third under the 21-year-old amateur rider.

They were the first two triumphs for Malzard under rules, who has enjoyed three winners in Jersey, where her mother is a 15-time champion trainer.

Alyson Malzard said: “Kansas City Chief loves the course and Vic gets on with him so well. The ground will be a bit softer, which is a little concern, but I’m sure he'll give Vic another great spin and he’s in the form of his life.

“Neil suggested we buy him to give Vic some experience and we could never have imagined he would give us such brilliant days.

“I train in Jersey and as soon as Vic was big enough, she was helping out and riding the horses, and as soon as she was old enough, she took out her licence. It’s brilliant to see her riding on the big stage and I’m sure we’ll have another great day out.”

Along with her two Cheltenham wins on Kansas City Chief, Malzard has ridden a second, two thirds and two fourths from just ten mounts in a highly promising start to her career.

What they say

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Dolphin Square and Pileon
Pileon won well last time at Sandown and seems in good nick. Dolphin Square also won on his most recent start at Newbury and he’s going the right way. He’s probably better over hurdles than fences.

Gary Moore, trainer of Botox Has
I was very pleased with his last run at Cheltenham and hopefully he can find a bit more improvement on this softer ground.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Spiritofthegames
He likes it around here – his best form is here by some distance. He’s in good form and hopefully has at least an each-way chance.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Tamar Bridge
He’s improving and the step up in trip will suit. He had a hard race last time but is ready to go again. He’s unexposed and should run very well.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

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