David Cottin trained Cheltenham festival hero Easysland is on course to make his seasonal return at Cheltenham in the Cross Country Chase On Friday ahead what looks a huge season for the French chaser with the Cheltenham festival and Grand National on his radar.
All the hype was around fan favourite Tiger Roll in this year’s renewal of the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but French raider Easysland came and spoiled the party and did so in decisive fashion.
Sporting the JP McManus green and yellow stripes for the second time in his career having been bought by the owner after winning at Cheltenham in December, the French exploit always looked to be travelling best and when the two-time Grand National hero was unable to quicken up after two out he began to assert.
🇫🇷 Victory for France in the Glenfarclas Cross Country! 🇫🇷
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2020
Rising star Easysland brings up a fantastic seven-timer and remains unbeaten at the track with a commanding success.
The legendary Tiger Roll goes out on his shield in second 👏 #CheltenhamFestival @davidcottin pic.twitter.com/Ss6XETxEDU
David Cottin’s gelding finished 17-lengths ahead of Tiger Roll, who still managed to finish 18-lengths ahead of third place Out Sam, which suggests how special this Cross Country ace is.
This season the six year the old will be heading back to Cheltenham seeking consecutive wins in the race, but his main target looks to be the Grand National at Aintree, where he will try and dethrone Tiger Roll for a second time.
His Connections have decided to bypass Compiegne where he started last term and he will be seen on Friday over the marathon trip at Prestbury Park.
(Credit ATR) JP McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry said: “The plan is to come to Cheltenham.
“Everyone is very happy with him. It will be nice to see him back there, and the ground and everything should be good.
“With a bit of luck he’ll stay in one piece and give a good account of himself.”