First Flow reaching peak form in time for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham

The nine-year-old built on his success in Wetherby’s Castleford Chase over Christmas by defeating reigning champion Politologue in last month’s Grade One Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

First Flow was the beneficiary of a typically attacking David Bass ride and provided one of the highlight wins of the 2020-21 National Hunt season.

With the Champion Chase now less than five weeks away, Bailey is preparing First Flow for the big day.

“He’s good. He’s started cantering this week, so I’m happy with him,” said the Cotswolds trainer. “I won’t be taking him for an away day. He’s an easy horse to get fit.”

First Flow is 14-1 for Festival honours, with Chacun Pour Soi a shade of odds-on after extending his unbeaten season to date with an impressive victory in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

It was another eyecatching performance from Willie Mullins’ charge, for which he has rightly been lauded – but all Bailey and others can do is prepare their contenders for the challenge ahead.

Asked for his reading of Chacun Pour Soi’s latest win, Bailey said: “I don’t think I need add to the accolades people have given him. Getting our horse there in one piece is the most important thing.”

Meanwhile, today’s high-profile meeting at Newbury has been abandoned and rescheduled for February 21.

And Warwick’s card, featuring the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase, has been pushed back until Monday.

Sue Smith’s stable star Midnight Shadow could line up in a handicap hurdle at Wetherby on Wednesday – Ryan Mania’s mount has not raced since finishing second in a handicap chase at Cheltenham in December.

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