The Cheltenham Gold Cup dream is still alive for Andy Edwards, in spite of L’Homme Presse being outplayed by an excellent efficiency from the on-song Picture D’Orhy in the Betfair Ascot Chase.
Edwards explained handling the similarity Picture D’Orhy and Ahoy Senor in the Ascot Grade One as an advantage prior to the race and saw positives aplenty in spite of defeat in Berkshire.
Links lost out on their opportunity to contend in heaven Riband last season when injury struck Venetia Williams’ steady star.
Nevertheless, in spite of being alleviated in the Gold Cup wagering following his Ascot reverse, L’Homme Presse’s sights are strongly locked on a go back to Prestbury Park and a course that has actually been the scene of a few of the nine-year-old’s finest efficiencies.
Edwards stated: “He’s got the very same opportunity that he had the other day as he has now, he’s the horse that he is.
” It was a bit brief for him that race, the ground has actually dried, however no reasons, the winner has actually won well and we’re really pleased.
” He’s gone through the line and was doing his finest work at completion. The additional 5 furlongs [in the Cheltenham Gold Cup] is his perfect journey and it was constantly going to be difficult when there was no rain last night.”
L’Homme Presse had actually made a scintillating return from injury in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield last month, however discovered himself off the rate from an early phase as Picture D’Orhy maximized a home component at a track he understands well, bouncing out and making every lawn.
It was a race eventually objected to on drying great to soft ground and in spite of a short-lived factor to consider about pulling stumps and heading straight to the Cheltenham Celebration, connections took the sporting choice to contend and finish their Gold Cup preparation as prepared.
L’Homme Presse still holds wish for the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Edwards included: “We did half-think about pulling him out, however he required the run before the Gold Cup, so we need to enjoy. He required the go to hone him up and things today remained in Picture D’Orhy’s favour.
” If there were any nerves it was that something might fail today. That was excellent however, he has actually gone through the line and if it was great to soft, soft in locations it might have been a various outcome.”
Edwards has actually never ever thought twice in stating in 2015’s injury obstacle, which saw L’Homme Presse out of action for over a year, has actually taught him to value every chance to contend on the huge phase and in spite of not heading home triumphant on this event, there was an unmovable smile from his face.
” It’s an advantage to be in a Grade One which’s what it is everything about and we will take pleasure in the minute. We more than happy and we can go to Cheltenham smiling.
” We got away with it at Lingfield, we didn’t today, however at the end of the day we have actually come 2nd in a Grade One at Ascot and I more than happy.”