The Aidan Coleman column: Enniscoffey has great chance at Doncaster
By Aidan Coleman
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Racing TV ambassador Aidan Coleman reflects on his success on Paisley Park in the Grade One JLT Hurdle plus reveals his thoughts on his rides at Doncaster on Saturday.
Enniscoffey Oscar, who runs in the MansionBet Handicap Hurdle at Doncaster, looks to be my best chance of a winner this weekend.
I rode him to finish second in a very strong bumper at the 2017 Grand National meeting, when he only found Lalor too good.
He has since gone on to run well over hurdles, the highlight being his win in a Grade Two over course and distance almost 12 months ago.
He has run twice over fences this winter but it just hasn’t worked out for him and it looks like chasing has been put on hold for him. If he can recover his hurdles form then this looks a good opportunity to get back to winning ways.
Got Away lines up in the feature race at Doncaster, the MansionBet Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase.
She won at this Listed level at Leicester in January and appeared to be going well when falling four out in a competitive race at the Punchestown Festival.
However, she disappointed on her first run back at Carlisle this month and she will need to get back to her earlier form if she is to give Lady Buttons a race. She looks like the one we all have to beat.
Hold The Note ran a really promising race on his hurdles bow, when third at Sandown last time out, and is an interesting ride in the MansionBet British EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.
sandown-park
12:15 Sandown-Park - Saturday December 8
Hold The Note ran encouragingly at Sandown this month
He’d also ran a fine race to come fourth in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham so impresses on the formbook, and looks to have a good chance.
My other ride is Club Tropicana, who makes his debut over obstacles in the Napoleons Casino, Restaurant And Bar Sheffield Fillies' Juvenile Maiden Hurdle.
He did run in the Rockfel as a two-year-old for his trainer Richard Spencer, so was obviously held in high enough regard.
Richard is a young trainer but has already made a really big impact with his Flat horses and does well with the jumpers he sends out too.
There is still more to come from Paisley Park:
Last Saturday, I finally got a monkey off my back when riding my first Grade One winner. I’ve been riding for 12 years, so it has taken me long enough!
And whatever happens I won’t be waiting as long for the next one, as I’ll no doubt be retired in 12 years’ time if it hasn’t happened before then!
Paisley Park provided me with my first Grade One winner
Paisley Park’s win in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot was also a first win at the top level for Emma Lavelle, who has expertly campaigned this horse.
He actually won with a bit in hand and there was plenty left in the tank. I probably got there too soon as he thinks he’s done enough when he’s in front, but I can’t fault him, and he has done everything we’ve asked of him.
Emma has stepped him up with each run and he has improved each time. I think there’s still more to come and he’s a very exciting horse.
I am not sure whether he goes straight to the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival or would have a run between, but it wouldn’t bother me either way.
Clan Des Obeaux a potential star:
The horse that has impressed me most over the Christmas period was Clan Des Obeaux, who won the King George VI Chase under an exceptional ride from Harry Cobden.
He has been threatening to put in a performance like that and, now he’s finally done it, I think he’s going to improve again and could be a real star this season.
Harry may be only 20 but he rides with skill beyond his years. It is the same story with James Bowen and ages just don’t come into it. They are brilliant jockeys, end of.
Altior one of the best I have seen:
Finally, I have to say Altior, who won easily at Kempton on Thursday, is as good a horse as I have ever seen. He just makes everything look so easy.
There can’t be many Jumps horses who give their connections such a comfortable watch.
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