SSS Super Alloys Novices' Chase
Class 2, Cheltenham 14:20
£30,700 guaranteed,
4yo plus,
2m 4f 78y  
Friday 11th November 2022

FormRatings

1 Unanswered Prayers 9/4F
2 Railway Hurricane 10/1
3 Hereditary Rule 4/1
8 ran Distances: ¾l, 9½l, 3¼l
Time: 5m 7.23s (slow by 7.23s)

A triple winner over hurdles, Unanswered Prayers hit the ground running on his chasing debut following a game performance under Tom Cannon to get off the mark for the campaign in the two and a half mile contest. 

Having been as big as 6-1 yesterday with one betting firm the gelded son of Ocovango was sent off 9/4 Favourite to make an instant impact over fences-and he did not disappoint after taking a significant step forward for his comeback run over hurdles. 

Although looking somewhat of a sitting duck to the strong travelling Railway Hurricane over the last Unanswered Prayers was not to be denied after pulling out more when required to prevail by three-quarters of a length.

FormRatings

Gordon said: “That was really good and I loved the way he jumped. I thought he was a bit big over the first one but the only disappointment was going up that run-in he was looking where the exit was and not really getting on with what he should be, but he jumped well. 

“To come here and have a winner for a loyal supporter is absolutely fantastic. 

“I’m not looking too far ahead, I’m just happy with that! I’ve got a lovely horse called Leave Of Absence who won at Ascot last month and all people could talk about was the next time and the next time, sometimes you’ve just got to enjoy the moment and that’s what we’re going to try and do. 

“He’s run a lovely race here first time today, we’ll see how his legs are in the morning and it’s great to come here and have a winner. 

“I think he could have done with somebody out in front, but he probably wants more of a trip than this. 

“We just thought that his jumping seems smashing, so we got out there and used the jumping and got on with it. You can see he had a little bit of a look around at the end but it was good and hopefully the handicapper doesn’t put him up too much for that. 

“The owners are marvellous and great supporters of ours so it’s great for them.”

BetGoodwiin

Equally pleased with the display was winning rider Tom Cannon, who believed the victory vindicated connections decision to go to Cheltenham as opposed to heading to Plumpton. 

Cannon said: “It’s a nice track to come to for a novice, Chris asked me about here or Plumpton and this was probably slightly easier than the one at Plumpton so even though we were wrong at the weights we decided to come here. 

“He’s an Irish point to pointer so he’s had experience in that and he’s had a year in handicap hurdle races so he knows where to put his feet and he proved that today. 

“He was a bit big at the first and I thought I was going to be in for a hairy ride, but he was good after that. 

“We got in a good rhythm out in front and his ears were always twitching back and forwards so we weren’t over doing it and he kept going to the line.”

Boylesports

SSS Super Alloys Novices' Chase
£30,700 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 4f 78y, Class 2
8 ran
Going: Good

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1      Unanswered Prayers 6 10-13 Chris Gordon Tom Cannon 9/4F
2 ¾ Railway Hurricane 7 11-3 Gavin Cromwell Keith Donoghue 10/1
3 9½ Hereditary Rule 7 11-10 John C McConnell Daryl Jacob 4/1
4 3¼ Pull Again Green 6 11-10 Fergal O'Brien Paddy Brennan 11/4
5 6½ Super Six 5 10-13 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 6/1
6 ¾ Milanford 8 10-13 Syd Hosie Mr Gearoid Harney 80/1
7 1 Honneur D'Ajonc 5 11-0 Jane Williams Ciaran Gethings 25/1
PU Stimulating Song 7 11-1 Milton Harris Jonathan Burke 14/1

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