'It's the perfect race for him' - Paul Nicholls eyeing repeat win for Yala Enki

2.10 Taunton
Weatherbys Portman Cup Chase | 3m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

It might be thought that a 3m4f conditions chase would attract the high-class but established, admirable stayers who have had their chance.

The likes of Yala Enki, basically. He is favourite for this race, which he won last year from the reopposing and similarly categorised Rock The Kasbah. Meaning those horses no discredit beyond their well-known credentials, others in the field require a lot more inspection.

Firstly there is If The Cap Fits, who just 427 days ago won the Ascot Hurdle and now finds himself in a completely new and unexpected category. To watch only his run in the Kauto Star last time, when he finished strongly for third, a step up in trip might be to his benefit. The rest of his career would suggest that laboured run was down to more than a lack of speed. It's hard to completely dismiss a horse of his ability, but the doubts are overpowering.

Even more curious is Al Roc. British punters are not expected to be familiar with this ten-year-old, who is having his first run for Richard Newland since arriving from France.

Strictly on official ratings, he has every reason to command respect. He is rated behind only Yala Enki, even with his penalty taken into account. But his 158 figure is taken directly from his French mark, which might be deemed a little over the top.

Last summer at Auteuil, Al Roc won at Listed level then split high-class mare Roxinela and the classy Crystal Beach. Take that form literally and this then nine-year-old, with 57 starts behind him, improved by two stone in a month. It almost goes without saying that caution should be exercised. It might be telling that his British debut is not in a handicap.

Worthy of a final, passing mention is The Mighty Don. He has made a much better fist of chasing in his second season, winning at Chepstow and chasing home Happygolucky at Cheltenham. Others will need to run below form for him to win, but he should be suited to this longer trip.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

Frost out for more success on old favourite

He may never replace Frodon in Bryony Frost's affections, but Yala Enki will always mean plenty to Britain's most successful female jump jockey.

While he lacks a little of the Ryanair and King George winner's speed and class, he has seemingly limitless stamina and has given Frost a number of great rides in the last couple of seasons.

The 11-year-old has finished third in the last two runnings of the Welsh Grand National, up with the pace from the off each time and keeping on heroically.

Yala Enki went on from his fine effort in Wales off a mark of 155 to win this conditions race last year, which suggests he has every chance of following up after being beaten little more than three lengths off 159 at Chepstow a fortnight ago.

Trainer Paul Nicholls, who sees the Randox Health Grand National as a potential spring target, said: "The Weatherbys Portman Cup suits him ideally as he's top weight in most handicaps but gets into this conditions race without a penalty. That gives him a nice advantage, as he's the highest-rated horse in the race on 161.

Paul Nicholls: 'The Weatherbys Portman Cup suits him ideally'Credit: Edward Whitaker

"It's just a perfect race for a horse like him. The trip and ground are ideal for him too, and my only slight reservation is that it comes only two weeks after a hard race in the Welsh National, which was postponed this time.

"He's come out of that race really well though. And he's such a tough and hardy horse that I'd say he'll be absolutely fine, so hopefully he’ll go and win again."

What they say

Richard Newland, trainer of Al Roc
We bought Al Roc in France hoping he might be a National horse, but he's got his stamina to prove and he's not qualified yet. He's got to finish in the first four in a chase of three miles or more. He went up massively for his last run at Auteuil and he's probably too high in the ratings now. His French form is over shorter distances and he can be quite keen, but hopefully he'll jump round all right and finish in the first four.

Harry Fry, trainer of If The Cap Fits
I hope he gets out of bed the right side and doesn't turn up in the same mood he did last time at Kempton. It underlines the ability he's got that he should run a race like he did and still finish third there, only beaten seven lengths in a Grade 1, having made Daryl Jacob work extremely hard. Let's hope he puts his best foot forward.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Rock The Kasbah
He's slightly wrong at the weights with a few of them, but he's in very good nick. He definitely wants better ground, though, so his time will come in the spring.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Sizing Codelco
He looks a bit out of his depth, but we want to get a run into him. He comes to his best in the spring, but there aren't a lot of options for him. A small field suits him.
Reporting by David Carr

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