Pipe looks for Dynaste to justify Jewson bid

Connections of the seven year old opted for the two-and-a-half-mile race instead of yesterdays’s RSA Chase over an extended three miles that was won by Lord Windermere as Ireland’s domination of the Festival continued.

Dynaste was ante-post favourite for both races on the strength of winning all his three starts to date over fences under Tom Scudamore, including the Grade One Feltham Novices Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

“The ground will be fresher and I think the shorter trip will suit his turn of foot,” said Pipe.

“Last season this fellow was a seriously smart staying hurdler and would have finished closer to Big Buck’s a couple of times if we hadn’t tried to beat him and run for the place money.

“He was only going to be a better chaser and has looked a natural from day one when he beat Fingal Bay and Unioniste at Cheltenham in November.”

Captain Conan has been Dynaste’s main market rival and he too had a choice of engagements.

Nicky Henderson’s charge is also unbeaten in three starts and could have gone for Tuesday’s 
Arkle Trophy which the stable won with Simonsig.

“Captain Conan is a good horse – he just wasn’t that impressive last time in the Scilly Isles and I think you will see the proper Captain Conan come the Jewson,” said Henderson.

“I thought Dynaste was going for the RSA and this would be the right race for Captain Conan, but suddenly it looks a hot race.

“However, I think he’s better than he was at Sandown, that wasn’t him, and this ground will suit.”

Third Intention was only beaten a neck by Captain Conan at Sandown and his rider Joe Tizzard is expecting another good run on his father Colin’s horse.

“He just got off touched off and probably should have beaten Captain Conan last time,” he said.

“He ran a blinder and he deserves to be here, but obviously we’ve got Dynaste and horses like that.

“I think it’s the most competitive novice chase here this week. He’s got a chance.”