Course And Distance Winner Set To Strike Again

Racing365
April 4, 2019 9:30 am

Consistent Type Ready To Get His Head In Front With Conditions To Suit

It was nearly a year ago to the day that DIEGO DU CHARMIL competed over today’s Aintree two miles and come home nearly three lengths ahead of Petit Mouchoir and four others in the style of a decent horse.

He was obviously highly regarded by trainer Paul Nicholls after his transfer from France in early 2016, and made a remarkable British debut when winning the Fred Winter at Cheltenham that year.

The son of Ballingarry then began his chasing career with a win in a little race at Newton Abbot in the Autumn of 2017 before being unlucky when stumbling and falling at Ascot in his next race after looking, travelling and jumping well.

That was one of just two races in four months that he had before the Aintree victory and he has followed the same preparation for today’s race, with two runs since last Autumn, both behind Altior. He looks set up for today’s contest under master trainer Nicholls and conditions are perfect.

There are, though, at least a dozen challengers who can win, with LADY BUTTONS having excellent credentials. being top rated on BTO and whose trainer Paul Kirby is in cracking form and one from two at the course.

The race will be run at a frenetic pace which will suit THE FLYING PORTRAIT, whilst CHAMPAGNE AT TARA will also be held up with jockey of the moment Jonjo O’Neill Jnr endeavouring to produce him late, but at 15/2, Diego can pick them up between the last two and repeat his course win. G Lees