Racing Shorts

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Quartz sets up Cheltenham trip

QUARTZ De Thaix set himself up for a trip to the Cheltenham Festival next week with an easy victory at Newton Abbot yesterday.

Only four runners went to post for the St Austell Brewery Novices’ Chase, but all of them of were of a decent standard.

However, the race was over as a contest a good half a mile out as Venetia Williams’ seven-year-old drew further and further clear of Ace High, with neither Rebel Du Maquis nor Ikorodu Road able to make a race of it.

The 3 to 1 shot eventually pulled 18 lengths clear under Aidan Coleman.

“I just had to give him a slap after jumping the water but he was very good,” said Coleman yesterday.

“I don’t think he liked chasing last year but his confidence is up now. On his hurdles form it was a race he should be winning.

“He goes on any ground but better ground suits him as he is quite a strong traveller and he was a bit behind the bridle on that (good to soft) ground.”

Williams added: “They went a good pace so he had to think on his feet. Today was all about jumping for him and we’ll see what our options are with him.

“Cheltenham is up for discussion, but that was a step in the right direction.

“He needed the 5lb penalty he got today to get into the novices’ handicap (Centenary).”

As well as the Centenary, the impressive winner holds entries in the Byrne Group Plate and the Coral Cup, and was subsequently cut in the betting for all three races.

Richards pleased with Premier

NICKY Richards is pleased with the well-being of Premier Sagas ahead of his run in the Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

Owned by David Wesley Yates, of Monet’s Garden fame, the seven-year-old has won his last two races in eyecatching style. He came through a schooling session under Dougie Costello with flying colours yesterday morning and the pair will be reunited on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

“He’s in good form and he’s pretty versatile with regards the ground,” said Richards yesterday.