He’s nothing to look at, almost a pony against his rivals, and you’d never buy him in the sales ring. Il Etait Temps started last year with a hard fought victory against Found A Fifty in a Grade One Novice Chase at Leopardstown over 2 miles. He then proceeded to take on the same horse and Gaelic Warrior in another Grade One at Cheltenham. The whole experience was a disaster. He jumped awfully; made several bad mistakes; stumbled badly at one fence; and yet did well to even finish third by rallying on the run in, though well beaten. However, the rest of his season was a revelation. Sent next to Aintree and stepped up to two and a half miles, he destroyed the opposition, showing both speed and stamina. In his next race, he went back to 2 miles and, despite ordinary fencing, his resolution gained the day as he managed to collar Gaelic Warrior who had beaten him twice before. Now rated 160, his final race and fifth Grade 1 was to step back up to two and a half miles against the 169 rated Jonbon. Taking closer order at the last Pond Fence, he joined Jonbon over the second last and sprinted impressively clear up the Sandown hill. The big question now is…..where does he go from here? His great qualities are speed, courage, and resolution- showing no small measure of stamina. With Jukebox Jury as his sire and out of a Dom Alco mare, he’s arguably bred for stamina as well as speed. Will his trainer, Willie Mullins, test his jumping by another crack at Cheltenham, or will he stick to flatter tracks and avoid the Festival altogether? If he could master Cheltenham, then he could go for either the Champion Chase, the Ryanair, or dare I say it, even the Gold Cup. I certainly believe that he’s the most improved Grade One chaser in training, and any rival should fear him. I’m interested to hear what other members think and how they would target him this season. Personally, I just love watching this gutsy, talented horse, despite his sketchy jumping.
A bit busy today with work but if I remember well this is another Clusutton horse who has gone very well for Danny Mullins?
Yes, it is, Oddy but, as Danny said after winning on him, his problem will be “keeping Paul Townend off his back!”
