Lucinda Russell looks for 'confidence booster' to put Ahoy Senor back on track

William Hill Towton Novices' Chase (Grade 2) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

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One magnificent performance from Ahoy Senor has been sandwiched between two runs that did not quite go to plan for the seven-year-old, leaving connections looking for a polished performance on this drop in grade before he lines up for the major spring festivals.

Ahoy Senor showed his potential and brilliance when demolishing his rivals in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury in November, a victory that came off the back of an unseating on his chasing debut at Carlisle.

Upped to Grade 1 level and switched back to a right-handed course, Ahoy Senor did not show the same panache when defeated by Bravemansgame in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Christmas, meaning he comes to Wetherby with trainer Lucinda Russell seeking a “confidence booster”.

“He’s been in great form and what I’d like from him is a nice, clear run like he had when he won at Newbury,” she said. “If he jumps around fine and shows the ability we think he has, that'll do nicely.

“Hopefully it can act as a confidence booster for him but we know that Saint Palais, in particular, is no mug.”

Saint Palais steps into Graded company for the first time, having landed the Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury in December, and this marks another key marker in the ascent of trainer Richard Bandey.

Just over a year ago, Bandey ended a drought of more than 600 days for a winner and he has trained nine winners in the intervening 12 months, topped by Saint Palais, who carries the colours of Tim Syder.

Bandey said: “We did a lot to improve the facilities during lockdown, which made a big difference, and it’s all down to a real good team effort.

“I don’t have a racing background and haven’t come up having been assistant to a big trainer, so there has been a case of finding our feet all along. I feel to have done what we have in four years is quite impressive.

“I’d love to be involved in races like this all the time and Saint Palais has been my signature horse. I genuinely feel we have nothing to lose by running this weekend.

“If he finishes second to Ahoy Senor then he’s lost nothing and even if we finish in the same furlong as him I’ll be pleased, although I hope it’s closer than that. He’s experienced, I think it’s the right race and the right track, so let’s give it a go.”

The four-runner field is completed by Ashtown Lad, a winner over course and distance this season, and Noble Yeats.

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