Ultima and bet365 Gold Cup among spring targets for Corach Rambler

A return to Cheltenham for the Ultima Handicap Chase could be the next port of call for the progressive Corach Rambler following his eyecatching fourth in the Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

The Lucinda Russell-trained eight-year-old was ridden along a fair way out on the final circuit of the 3m5f handicap contest but responded gamely to Derek Fox’s urgings, finishing off well after the last behind dominant winner Eclair Surf.

Corach Rambler scored at Aintree and Cheltenham on his previous two starts and looks a staying chaser of fair potential, with Peter Scudamore, assistant to partner Russell, hoping he could be a Grand National contender in future seasons.

Members can watch the Classic Chase replay here

However, the Ultima, for which he is a 33-1 shot, and the bet365 Gold Cup on the final day of the season at Sandown could be targets this spring.

Scudamore said: “We were disappointed he didn’t win but realistically it was a very good run for a novice off top weight. He was beaten by two of the form horses and ran a great race.

“Once you get to this level, the handicapper dictates where you are and we know he’s not Arkle. He’s a funny horse and everyone says he’s quirky, but all he wants to do is hit the front late. That’s the way to ride him and Derek is brilliant at that.

“For a novice he jumped fantastically and that weight probably tells in these big races over staying distances.

“We’ll dream to get to Aintree with him one day, but this season we’ll probably go to Cheltenham for the Ultima, and the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown could be an option at the end of the season if the ground was suitable. The Scottish National could be another race that might suit him, but the timing of it this season makes it difficult.”

Classic Chase favourite Gericault Roque finished closest to Eclair Surf in a 13-length second, with trainer David Pipe delighted with the run. He is another to be regarded as a future National prospect.

Pipe said: “He ran a cracking race only 17 days after his Mandarin second, so we’re really pleased. I’m not sure about what’s next, he’s had two quick runs so we won’t see him for a while. We could look at the National for him one year, but it won’t be this year.”

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