Captain Conan represents the powerful stable of Nicky Henderson in this race and is unbeaten in three starts over fences. He finished his hurdling campaign by chasing home the ill-fated Darlan at Aintree but chasing was always going to be his game. A two-length victory over Sire De Grugy at Cheltenham was followed by a comfortable win over Hinterland at Sandown. At that stage, Captain Conan was still considered a possible contender for the Arkle Trophy but his latest victory convinced the Lambourn trainer that he would be better suited to the Jewson.
He looked in serious trouble that day as Third Intention made the best of his way home but the leader folded up on the run-in allowing Captain Conan to scrape home by a neck. Jockey Barry Geraghty confirmed that he needed every yard that day. With the stable represented by Simonsig in the Arkle, it made sense to come here with Captain Conan. Colin Tizzard feels that Third Intention dodged the issue at Sandown and is hoping that the combination of a noseband and being held up late will see a different result at the festival. class shone through just, as Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old got up on the line to defeat Third Intention, who had jumped and travelled like the winner until the final strides.
Strong market support has brought the Willie Mullins-trained Aupcharlie into favouritism despite being beaten in both of his recent outings. The seven-year-old by Daliapour was just collared on the line by stable companion Back In Focus in a Grade 1 Chase at Leopardstown in December over three miles. On that occasion he had Tofino Bay well behind in fourth but the places were reversed at Naas in January, this time going down by half a length.
There has also been good each-way support for Tom George’s Module following confirmation that the six-year-old will take his place in the line up. He swerved the festival last season and has won both starts over fences, beating Colour Squadron at Newbury and following up at Leicester in heavy ground. Jockey Paddy Brennan has suggested that he could be his best chance of a winner at the meeting but Cheltenham’s fences could provide him with a stern test.
There are a number of Irish challengers with multiple entries at the festival including Benefficient and Oscars Well, first and second at Leopardstown in January. The going was heavy that day and a mistake at the last took the stuffing out of Oscars Well. If they were to meet here on a faster surface it would be no surprise to see the placings reversed.
Summary
Captain Conan has done nothing wrong all season but does not appear to carry the same stable confidence as some of Henderson’s other runners. He should confirm the Sandown form with Third Intention but the money in recent days suggests that Aupcharlie could be the one to be on.
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