Knowhere pounces in Roan epic to earn crack at Hennessy

By Martin Kelly

Monday, October 27, 2008

KNOWHERE put himself on target for a crack at the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup by claiming the scalps of Exotic Dancer and Voy Por Ustedes in a spectacular renewal of the intercasino.co.uk Old Roan Chase at Aintree yesterday.

Seven horses approached the penultimate fence in with a chance, and it was Jonjo O’Neill’s Exotic Dancer who took the initiative soon after under Tony McCoy.

But Knowhere, representing the Nigel Twiston-Davies and Paddy Brennan combination, loves a scrap and overhauled his rival on the run-in for a length success.

Snoopy Loopy was third, with Champion Chase runner-up Voy Por Ustedes fourth.

Last year’s winner Monet’s Garden trailed in seventh.

Brennan said of the 8-1 winner: "I wanted to make the race a war as I knew that if it was a war then he would win, and that is what happened.

"He is such a brilliant servant to the yard, he never gives in and we will try and win the Hennessy now."

Voy Por Ustedes’ trainer Alan King added: "I am happy with that and he will definitely go to the King George, which will probably be his next race."

Jonjo O’Neill will target the Betfair Chase with Exotic Dancer, with a trip to Ireland for the Lexus Chase over Christmas a likely target too.

Coral trimmed Voy Por Ustedes into 4-1 from 5s for the King George, while Exotic Dancer earned a 20-1 quote from the sponsors for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Squadron paid Champion Hurdle hope Crack Away Jack a handsome compliment as Alan King’s runner took the intercasino.co.uk Four Year Old Hurdle by a yawning 18 lengths.

The 5-2 chance was easily brushed aside by the latter at Chepstow last time out, and Ladbrokes responded to his Aintree success by trimming Emma Lavelle’s Festival winner into 7-1 form 10s for the hurdling championship.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, October 27, 2008