Top-class hurdler Menorah continued his education over fences with a comfortable victory in the Bet With williamhill.com On Your Mobile Novices’ Chase at Kempton, but it wasn’t without the odd scare.
The 4-7 favourite was notching a quick double for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson, who also took the opener with Sadler’s Risk, but the bookmakers were not impressed.
Stan James left Menorah unchanged at 10-1 for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, while William Hill pushed him out to 16-1 from 14s.
Kumbeshwar took the three runners along for the first mile and a half, with Alasi still travelling nicely before unseating Dominic Elsworth.
Menorah eased clear, but gave his supporters a fright at the second-last before coming home three and three-quarter lengths in front.
Hobbs said: “He was careful at one or two and jumped a bit left early on, but the second-last fence was the only real mistake. Overall we are happier, but we probably need a bit more practice.
“One thing that will help in the Arkle is a stronger pace and he did get beaten a couple of times over hurdles when he had to make the running.
“We’ve plenty of time for another run and he does appreciate better ground and it’s bound to start raining soon.”
Tags: Cheltenham Festival, Dominic Elsworth, ID, NH, OK, PA, Philip Hobbs, Richard Johnson, Sadler Risk, Stan James, William Hill
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