I was keen to get Katenko onside before he ran in
yesterdays Hennessy Gold cup, just in case he put in a huge
performance.
Obviously that didn’t happen, as he took a soft fall at
the 14th fence. However, assuming he wasn’t hurt (and he was
immediately back on his feet) then I was happy enough with his performance to
that point…
Certainly he travelled through the race, showing the same
power that characterised his 2 victories in January – and that was good to
see…
He was being targeted at this years Gold Cup when he
developed a bad bout of colic. Apparently he was pretty ill with that but his
showing prior to his departure yesterday suggest that he is ready to pick up
where he left off last campaign.
And if he can do that, then, despite his odds, I think he
can develop into a serious Gold Cup contender this season.
I find it amazing to think that he only ran 4 times last
season – such was the impact of his 2 wins.
The first of those, gained in the soft at Sandown, now
looks a particularly strong piece of form as he gave weight and a comfortable
beating to Johns Spirit.
His second win, over half a mile shorter at Cheltenham,
was probably visually even more impressive – and came off a mark 11lb higher.
In truth the form of that win doesn’t look quite as strong – but he did make a lasting impression that day…
In truth the form of that win doesn’t look quite as strong – but he did make a lasting impression that day…
He is currently rated 157 which leaves him at least a
stone shy of the level required to be competitive in a Gold Cup. However he
improved by almost that amount on each of his final, two outings of last season
– and as he is still only 7 there is no reason to think that improvement can’t
continue.
I honestly think that Katenko can take his form to a new
level when given the challenge of the Gold Cup course and trip – provided he
gets some cut in the ground (which nowadays, is almost guaranteed).
There is still a lot of water to go under the bridge –
but if he does make it to the big day on March , I certainty don’t expect him to
be trading anywhere near his current price…
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