BRAVEMANSGAME avenged his Aintree defeat at the hands of Ahoy Senor as he made a sparkling return in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
The pair had clashed on three previous occasions, with Ahoy Senor having a win over both hurdles and fences to his credit, while the Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame had proved best when the pair clashed in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Christmas.
The Lucinda-Russell trained Ahoy Senor had Bravemansgame 30 lengths back at Aintree in the spring and was duly sent off the 11-10 favourite to come out on top again.
But the Harry Cobden-ridden Bravemansgame was always moving very well.
And after Ahoy Senor ran out of steam at the head of the field, Bravemansgame (2-1) took up the running two from home and only had to clear the final obstacle to coast home by three and a half lengths from the staying-on Eldorado Allen, with Ahoy Senor trailing home last of five.
Paddy Power chopped Bravemansgame to 9-4 for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Nicholls said: “He as good as any of my previous Charlie Hall winner.
“Cheltenham over three and a quarter miles might not be his bag but to me the King George is absolutely made for him.
“He’s a very smart horse when he’s right – one of the best we’ve had on the right track – his record says that.
“You wouldn’t rule out the Gold Cup with horses like him but our aim has been the King George.”
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