Chianti Classico is a horse who has more than a fighting chance in the 3rd race on day 1, the 3 mile 1 furlong Ultima Handicap Chase. A son of the late Shantou who has an enviable record as a sire of winners at Cheltenham being the only sire to have 2 winners at the festival last year. He is under the care of Kim Bailey, a trainer that has won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup he will be ridden by his stable jockey David Bass who has chosen this horse over his stablemate Trelawne which is an indicator in and of itself into the chance connections believe this horse has.
Bass describes this horse as a ‘little terrier’ and would not have had an easy time deciding whether to ride this horse or his stablemate. Having won in 6 of its 10 starts this horse is undoubtedly one of the classier horses in this field. A point to point winner in Ireland for Colin Bowe he has gone on to win twice at both Chepstow and Market Rasen respectively aswell as a hurdle win at Wincanton and a chase win at Ascot, most importantly Chianti Classico has had a run under his belt at this unforgiving track having competed in the Albert Bartlett last year. While being a decent hurdler in his day he seems to be excelling since taking to the bigger obstacles
This horse appears to be tailor made for this contest, meeting key criteria. Being an 8 year old is a distinct advantage as only two horses outside the age of 7-9 have won this race in the last 10 years and every winner of the race in the last 10 years has won over 3 miles and has had a run at the track, he seems to fit the bill. Being an English trained runner is also a positive as no Irish horse has won this race since 2006. Novices have a great record in the race and a strong gallop will suit this horse who likes to attack his fences. He is coming into this race with the perfect preparation having last run admirably in January when finishing second to a winner who was in receipt of 8 pounds from this exciting 143 rated chaser. Allotted with an attractive weight of 11-4 and at a price of around 7/1 he has a live chance of winning this notoriously tricky race.
On the Spring day in Tipperary ’21 the rain came in showers and one particular 4 year old maiden precipitated a group of high quality and Chianti Classico was the finest of them. Two and a half lengths second that day was Stumptown (beaten a neck in last year’s Kim Muir). Of the nine runners on the day six have won and of the remaining three one has been placed and the other two didn’t train on.
The principles lock horns again in tomorrow’s race where old rivalries will be renewed. A betting man might expect the pair ro be the fore again on the biggest stage.
