Mouse Morris strikes again as Foxy Jacks lands Cross Country handicap chase

The romance of these races usually fizzles out come March, when the big names dominate off level weights, but the cross-country handicaps before the festival remain utterly unpredictable and thoroughly enjoyable, as emphasised by Foxy Jacks fighting off Latenightpass under a fearless front-running ride from claimer Gavin Brouder.

The big names disappointed with their big weights here, and Delta Work was quite lame afterwards according to Gordon Elliott. The trainer was less concerned about Galvin, who was not in love with conditions.

The business end did not concern either of them as Foxy Jacks just kept on galloping and found plenty for pressure to fend off prolific pointer Latenightpass, who was given an absolute peach of a ride from Gina Andrews but couldn't get by on the run-in.

Trainer Mouse Morris was insulted by his winner's morning price. He doesn't say much, but he is worth listening to when he does divulge something.

"How was he 20-1 earlier? That was an insult to a horse like him," said the man who less than a fortnight ago claimed the Charlie Hall with Gentlemansgame. His Fethard yard might not be as big as it once was but, boy, he can still train horses.

Morris expected a big run and knew he had the Midlands National winner primed for the occasion.

He said: "He was in the form of his life coming over here, he couldn't have been any better. I've never seen him as good at home. He’s a good horse on his day and was very tenacious out there. I thought he got a brilliant ride, Gavin was brave on him.

"I was waiting on him to make a mistake, he usually makes one, but he pinged everything out there and loved it.

"We'll be back in March for the big one and hopefully he'll have a great chance."

The problem with March is Delta Work and Galvin will be carrying the same weight as him, as will possibly Conflated and Minella Indo too. It could be a Grade 1 masquerading as a fun cross-country chase if that happens. That will please some, but it is not really what the race was invented for, is it?

The fun of cross-country racing: the field splits at the Birch Island fence at Cheltenham on FridayCredit: Edward Whitaker

The first person to shake Morris's hand was none other than Enda Bolger, the trainer who used to boss these races every year.

"I've learned from the king," chuckled Morris as he accepted the handshake and continued showering Brouder with praise for his exploits.

Brouder feels he has developed a real connection with Foxy Jacks, and he is definitely a horse you need to know.

"I’ve been getting a good feel off him going along in front and letting him do his own thing with the jumping," said the winning jockey. "He either goes right or left and you need to let him do what he wants."

Elliott had a worried look on his face when asked about Delta Work. "He was quite lame there after the race," he said. "Keith [Donoghue] said for the second half of the race he never jumped and he was a bit sore pulling him up, so we will see how he is. Cheltenham in March is the plan and hopefully he's okay in the morning.

"Galvin ran very well. He just hated the ground but will come on for it. They will probably both have one more run over hurdles and that will be it until March."

Foxy Jacks will be back in March, too, but his task will be a whole lot trickier off level weights with the big names. Don't write him off, though.

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