3 minute read
Improving chaser set for return to Kempton.
Chris Gordon was encouraged to see Simply The Betts boost the form of Commanche Red, before his next intended run in Kempton's 888Sport Pendil Novices' Chase.
Gordon's seven-year-old turned what looked a decent handicap into a bit of a procession at Kempton on Boxing Day, winning by nine lengths.
Saturday's Cheltenham winner Simply The Betts was back in second – with Gordon's On The Slopes third – and the latter was also placed again at the weekend, adding further weight to the form.
"He's going for the Pendil at Kempton over two and a half miles towards the end of next month," Gordon said of Commanche Red.
"All has been good with him, so we've fingers crossed for a good run.
"Obviously it was nice to see the form boosted – we had one in it ourselves, in On The Slopes. He was supposed to go for a race at Huntingdon last week, when the river burst its banks.
"He looks like he might get two and a half (miles) on an easy track, but two-two on a stiffer track would suit. There's a race at Kempton on February 7 we might look at.
"The winner, Simply The Betts, I don't think looked happy at Kempton – he looked a different horse altogether at the weekend.
"(But) it can't do ours any harm, and we're looking forward to the Pendil. He really impressed us on Boxing Day – he was really impressive, and I'm hoping it carries on.
"They all reach their limit sooner rather than later, but hopefully he carries on improving."