GARDE CHAMPETRE will be looking to make it a super six on his 15th appearance at Cheltenham in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase today.
The 12-year-old took over from stable-mate Spot Thedifference for owner JP McManus, and has won fives times over the cross-country track at Prestbury Park.
It will be the fourth time the Enda Bolger-trained veteran will be running in this particular contest, having won it in 2009 and finished second twice including when only beaten by Lacdoudal 12 months ago.
Garde Champetre had a warm-up spin over hurdles at Naas last month and Bolger said: “He’s in great form. The ground is a little bit on the firm side, but I don’t think it will trouble him. He’s won on firm before. We’re looking forward to it. The conditions of the race suit him, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed and it’s the right race for him.”
Garde Champetre was again second behind Sizing Australia on his last visit to Cheltenham in the Festival’s cross-country chase.
Meanwhile Donald McCain admitted Peddlers Cross chasing debut couldn’t have gone any better.
The talented six-year-old was reported to be well yesterday morning following his comfortable debut success over the bigger obstacles at Bangor on Wednesday.
McCain said: “He’s a very special horse and the worry is that you’re going to make a mess of him. For a first go over fences, it was fantastic. I know I’m bias but I haven’t seen too many novice chasers jump like that first time.
“What he beat I don’t know but he could only do what he did. Without being flash he’s just very professional and that is the way he does everything.
“He was the same over hurdles, you could do anything with him. You could make the running, drop him in, he’s a very intelligent horse and a very good horse.”
Jockey Richard Johnson was also impressed by Peddlers Cross’s debut.
Johnson rides Menorah, who is likely to be a rival to Peddlers Cross for novice chase honours.
The jockey was unseated at the second last at Exeter recently when Menorah looked to be set for a winning chase debut himself. He is likely to take on Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Al Ferof at Cheltenham on Sunday.
Johnson said: “Philip’s horses are running very well and Menorah is in on Sunday.
“He had a bit of puss in his foot which is why he didn’t go back to Exeter on Wednesday but he’s back well again now.
“Peddlers Cross was very good, he didn’t beat much but I’m sure for the owner and trainer and for Jason Maguire watching that it was nice to see him jump well. He didn’t make any silly mistakes and we already know he is a very good horse. He’s obviously going to be one of the top novices this season.”
TODAY’S NAP: Time For Spring (1.10pm Cheltenham).
