Rely on the Doumens

13 April 2012

Suave and sophisticated French trainer Francois Doumen has more in common with spurs and suntanned American handler Bob Baffert than you'd think.

Apart from the fact both reside at the top of their profession in their respective countries and disciplines, they share a philosophy. As the ever-quotable Californian has said: "We only wear our best shoes on Sunday."

So it was that, although taken aback, Doumen wasn't aghast when First Gold was beaten by promising novice Shotgun Willy at Newbury in February. Perhaps a little embarrassed given that new owner, J P McManus, was looking on. With a philosophical shrug, he acknowledged his horse's "80 per cent" fitness hadn't been sufficient to cope with an under-estimated rival.

But First Gold was dressed in his Sunday-best shoes - those orginally put aside for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, until its final abandonment - at Aintree earlier this month.

It was also a key moment in the career of Doumen's son and stable jockey, Thierry, who has become somewhat of a Freddie Head figure for racing's commentators. One or two ill-judged rides in the UK overshadowed a whole career in France's top flight for Flat jockey, Head.

Now it seems doubt over Doumen junior's strength and tidiness in a finish has damned the young man's achievements before he's barely begun.

Granted, he has his father's yard behind him - you'd have to be a very poor rider indeed not to stack up a list of notable winners with that enviable firepower. But his tactics on First Gold in the Martell Cup were superb. First he harrassed See More Business for the lead - something his elder rival has come to tolerate less as the years pass by. Then he took the race, hard, to the rest of the field, exposing Legal Right's lack of stamina and forcing mistakes. He came home ten lengths clear.

In tomorrow's Cheltenham Gold Cup rough substitute, Sandown's Tote Gold Trophy Chase, the Doumens' charge faces less strength in depth. Bellator and Frantic Tan came, saw and were conquered at Aintree. It's hard to see them reversing that form, but it would be an interesting battle if they're ridden for a place. Venetia Williams' representative would be marginally preferred.

Go Ballistic is getting on, prefers faster ground and saves his best for Cheltenham or Ascot. Eau de Cologne and General Wolfe just aren't good enough, although the former is in good enough heart to make the frame with a typically honest effort.

That leaves Marlborough alone as a realistic challenger for victory. Nicky Henderson has brought him along with gentle finesse, from dodgy-jumping handicapper to top-class prospect. He's still prone to the odd poor jump - something he can ill afford over Sandown's quick-fire fences.

Were he more foot perfect, you could make a value case for him against First Gold - himself not averse to the odd error, as the latter showed at Newbury. But he coped well with the tough combination of sturdy fences and sharp track at Aintree. Marlborough's new improved jumping has yet to be tested in the best company. It may be found wanting.

As See More Business and Legal Right found before him, it's all or nothing when taking on First Gold. But, just as the winner of Saturday's Champion Hurdle substitute will wear a paper crown in the absence of Istabraq, the Gallic champion is making hay in the absence of Britain's best chaser - reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, Looks Like Trouble.

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