Bravemansgame makes no mistake at Newbury

Nicholls-trained novice star gives 16lb and a beating to Pats Fancy and Grumpy Charley.

Paul Nicholls was able to breathe a sigh of relief as one of his stable stars, Bravemansgame, booked his Cheltenham Festival ticket in style at Newbury.

The champion trainer chose to run the seven-year-old, who remains unbeaten over fences, in handicap company and he was giving 16lb to some useful rivals in Pats Fancy and Grumpy Charley.

As if that was not enough to give Nicholls something to worry about, only one of his previous 37 runners had won, something almost unheard of for the Ditcheat handler, even if January is traditionally a quiet month for the yard.

There was to be no messing around for Harry Cobden, though, who bounced Bravemansgame into an early lead to put his excellent jumping to good use.

Quick and nimble at his fences on the way round, the pace soon proved too much for Gallyhill – but just as Cobden was looking to stretch away, he met the fourth-last fence a little wrong, getting in tight and giving Pats Fancy a chance.

The 8-11 favourite was soon back on an even keel and a good jump two out sent him clear. Cobden kept him up to his work after the last to beat Pats Fancy by three and a half lengths.

Coral left him unchanged at 7-2 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase next month behind Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs, their 10-11 favourite.

Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.

Latest