From the RP, the RSA chase it is then!
PRIDE OF DULCOTE followed in the footsteps of stablemate Tataniano when making a very impressive start to his chasing career at Worcester on Wednesday.
Second in the
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season,
Pride Of Dulcote was foot perfect on his chase debut and never came off the bridle in the hands of Ruby Walsh.
Stan James were quick to cut the Angela Yeoman-owned six-year-old for the
RSA Chase, offering 16-1 (from 25).
Walsh was keen to stay out of trouble on the 1-3 favourite and sent his mount into a clear lead as the tape went up. Pride Of Dulcote settled beautifully in front and jumped far better than his two rivals.
Walsh slowly increased the pace down the back straight and started to move clear of his rivals turning for home. He increased his advantage over the four fences in the home straight and came home six lengths clear of Any Currency.
Winning trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed that all roads will lead to the RSA Chase, he said: “We wanted to get today out of the way as he was a bit clumsy at his hurdles last seasonand we have done a lot of work on his jumping of fences at home.
“There are no real plans at present to where we go next but he could go to Cheltenham for a race at the Paddy Power meeting or to Newbury for a race in November.
“The long term goal is the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March.”