BEAT THE BAT SCORES AT CHEPSTOW

Beat The Bat fulfilled the promise of his debut on Boxing Day with a pleasing victory in the bumper at Chepstow on Saturday 25 February ridden by Bryan Carver in the colours of the Twelfth Man Partnership.

It came on the tenth anniversary of their hardy warrior Opening Batsman landing the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton in the same silks.

A £60,000 purchase from a good family Beat The Bat was only denied by a short head at Wincanton in the tightest possible finish with Choccabloc ten lengths away third.

It was good to see Beat The Bat confirm that form on Saturday with Choccabloc who finished second this time ridden by a 10lbs claiming conditional.

Our horse is a lovely prospect and schooled nicely over hurdles on the grass last week.
I’ll see how he comes out of the race before making any plans and while he could run again under a penalty it wouldn’t be the end of the world if we didn’t see him again until he goes over hurdles next season.

Earlier in the afternoon the cards didn’t go the way of Boothill at Kempton in the Pendil  Novice Chase. What he needs is a proper end to end gallop over two miles. We had to give it a go but the stop start nature of the race controlled by Harry Cobden on the winner Solo didn’t suit Boothill who finished an honourable third.

He will by-pass Cheltenham and go instead a fresh horse to Aintree over two miles.