'We can't wait to see him over a fence' - exciting Cadzand defies double penalty

Smart prospect Cadzand bounced back to form to land the 2m4½f novice hurdle, shouldering a double penalty to leave connections dreaming of bigger targets when sent chasing next season.

The Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old had won races at Warwick and Kempton, but arrived here on the back of a midfield finish when sent off 11-2 favourite for the Betfair Hurdle.

It was 66-1 shot Nickle Back who appeared to be travelling best in the home straight, but he made an error at the final hurdle and Harry Skelton’s mount finished best to win by a length and a quarter.

Mark Speelman, National Hunt manager for owners Chelsea Thoroughbreds, said: “Cadzand was a bit disappointing last time, so it’s really good to see him bounce back. He’s a winning point-to-pointer and on pedigree we thought he should’ve got this trip and he’s seen it out very well. It was great.

“He’ll be an exciting prospect for novice chasing next season but we haven’t made any plans for the remainder of this campaign as of yet.

“He could be a 140-rated hurdler going chasing next season. We’re delighted to have him and we can’t wait to see him over a fence.”

The success was one of two on the day for Harry Skelton, who also partnered First Class Return to a 25-length success in the 3m½f handicap chase.

Dominant Deutsch

Commis D’Office claimed his first success in almost five years in the 2m handicap chase under a confident ride from Charlie Deutsch.
The nine-year-old travelled powerfully throughout and just needed to be pushed clear after the last to beat Azzuri.

Results, replays and analysis

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