Riverside Theatre built on his King George second when winning the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase, a race that was marred by the fatal injury to rising star Pride of Dulcote. It is uncertain whether Riverside Theatre will line up in any race at the Cheltenham Festival as before this victory he was aiming solely for a tilt at the Totesport Bowl at Aintree in April. Connections will now discuss whether the Ryanair is a possibility. The manner of this victory paid a massive compliment to stablemate and King George victor Long Run. In my mind both horses are superstars on flat tracks but neither seemingly handle the undulations of Cheltenham that well. Running a great race in second was Gauvain, whose stable hasn’t been firing of late. On this evidence he remains a horse to keep on the right side of, having already displayed a liking for Cheltenham when winning there in November. He is reportedly heading for the Ryanair for which he is widely available at 25/1, although he does still hold an entry in the Queen Mother for which he was advised at 25/1 by JP Festival.
Cathryn Fry, 20 February 2011
