Like CJ from television's Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Jim Lewis, owner of Best Mate, did not get to where he is today by living in a dream world.
 Will it be thumbs up for Lewis and Best Mate on Boxing Day? |
The self-made millionaire businessman came bounding up to me at Ascot on the final Saturday of racing before the holiday, characteristically full of bonhomie, but also of realism.
"Myself, I doubt we will win with 'Matey' over Christmas," he said, trademark Aston Villa FC scarf wrapped tight around his neck against the cold.
"But I'm telling you," those increasingly familiar Brummie tones went on, "whatever is in front of him now will be behind him at Cheltenham [in the Gold Cup]."
Well, I am not honestly sure about the latter point, but that doesn't matter for the time being.
However, I do agree that the dual Gold Cup hero is up against it even after being diverted from bidding to retain the Pertemps King George VI Chase title at Kempton, to race in Leopardstown's Ericsson Chase two days later.
My idea of the respective winners are the hugely exciting Jair du Cochet, from Guillaume Macaire's stables in France (and Best Mate's conqueror at Huntingdon last month), and Beef or Salmon.
Actually, why on earth should have Best Mate, Valley Henry or La Landiere, all behind Jair Du Cochet at Huntingdon, turn the tables on an exceptionally convincing winner?
There are those who will not back his jockey, Jacques Ricou, but although his extravagant and unconventional (for British racing) style makes him an easy target, he does little wrong.
 Jair du Cochet could take Best Mate's King George crown |
Fellow Gallic raider First Gold, the winner in 2000, is the big danger.
The major thing in his favour is that he is being prepared by trainer Francois Doumen, already the King George winner five times in all with Nupsala, The Fellow (twice) and Algan as well as First Gold.
However, First Gold ran just okay over hurdles in France the other day, and, anyway, I have a feeling that Jair du Cochet is a remarkable horse that will have the edge over all his rivals.
Hopefully, win, lose or draw, all the above will be at Cheltenham in March for the Gold Cup, where they will be joined, among others, by Beef or Salmon who I expect to further enhance his reputation in the Ericsson.
A really versatile horse as far as distance is concerned, the only slight cause for concern is his occasional jumping error.
He seems to be brilliant enough to get himself out of trouble, finding, as they say, an "extra leg" when it matters.
As for Best Mate, the quote that Shakespeare put into the mouth of Henry IV comes to mind: "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown".
True, he loves Cheltenham, winning two of its Gold Cups in terrific style, and there is every chance this undoubtedly great horse will emulate Arkle and record a hat-trick, but goodness the rivals are circling, and menacingly so.
MMIX
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