Edwardstone underlines Arkle credentials with Kingmaker victory
Edwardstone ridden by jockey Tom Cannon on their way to winning the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (Grade 2) during Desert Orchid Chase Day of the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempto
Edwardstone put on a faultless display in the Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick as he emphasized his superiority over Third Time Lucki.
The eight-year-old, who is trained by Alan King, was already top of the list when it comes to ante-post betting for next month's Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.
In what was his fifth run of the season, Edwardstone had a Grade One in the bag from the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown when Dan Skelton's Third Time Lucki was left trailing in his wake.
Despite this, Skelton was eager to have another crack at him following Third Time Lucki's victory in a Grade Two at Doncaster.
? Edwardstone is awesome in the Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices' Chase @WarwickRaces
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 12, 2022
? Five runs over fences
? Four wins
? G1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase
? G2 Kingmaker Novices' Chase
? G2 Wayward Lad Novices' Chase
? Next stop: Cheltenham for Alan King @tomcannon2 pic.twitter.com/eoI0lz9fZ4
Throw into the mix Venetia Williams' progressive handicapper Brave Seasca and Alex Hales' headstrong For Pleasure, it looked a really intriguing four-runner race.
However, when Tom Cannon moved the 10/11 market leader up alongside For Pleasure down the back straight the rest were soon out of their comfort zone.
Even though Harry Skelton had not asked for everything on Third Time Lucki at the third-last, the usual smooth-traveller was going quicker than he wanted to and that showed when he made a mistake.
Edwardstone scooted away over the final two fences to win by four and a quarter lengths, to set himself up perfectly for his Festival assignment.
"He was very good and he loved that ground. His jumping was electric and he saw it out nicely - the way he jumped the last two it was great to be on board," said his delighted rider.
"He's always had an engine and everything he has done all his career has built up to this season for him as a chaser and to improve.
"This has been the plan for some time and it's nice it's come to fruition. It's always nice when the horse does the talking for you.
"He's a good horse. Obviously Cheltenham is the aim. There is a lot of time between now and then. We just hope to get him there in one piece."
