Harry Cobden: Disappointed not to ride Bravemansgame but Pic D’Orhy is a ‘class horse’ in his own right

Trainer Paul Nicholls has cited a clash in meetings between Haydock and Ascot as the reasoning behind Cobden missing the ride on Bravemansgame in the Betfair Chase.

The gelding, who was second in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, has only ever been ridden by Cobden in 18 starts under rules as he is the Ditcheat stable jockey.

That will change on Saturday, however, as Daryl Jacob steps in for the mount at Haydock with Cobden due to head to Ascot to partner Pic D’Orhy in the Grade Two 1965 Chase.

Cobden is also expected to partner a full book of Nicholls-trained rides on the day and the trainer cites this as the reason for the change – with Cobden also seen as more pivotal to Pic D’Orhy’s success than he is to Bravemansgame’s.

"Obviously I’m disappointed not to be riding the best horse in the yard in Bravemansgame, but you’ve got to do what is right for the yard and the owners," Cobden exclusively told Planet Sport Bet.
 
"I’m sure he’ll run really well on Saturday and while I’d love to be on him, I’ve got some great rides at Ascot too. Pic D’Orhy is a class horse in his own right and I can’t wait to ride him.
 
"He won the Melling Chase at Aintree last season, so we know he’s top class. It looks like Shishkin is going to take us on and he’s obviously a very good horse in his own right too.
 
"It’s a bit of rematch as he got the better of us in the race last year, but I do know Paul [Nicholls] has been getting lots of work into Pic D’Orhy and he’ll be ready to rock and roll on Saturday.
 
"Of course it will be a tough race, and we’ll need to put in a career best to beat him, but it’s definitely possible and we’re looking forward to it. It should be a great race."

 

 

 

 

 

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