MELISSA JONES: Welsh Whisky still favourite with owner

“YOU can’t expect all the glory first time out,” was the view from Welsh owner Dai Walters after his short-priced favourite Oscar Whisky was turned over on chasing debut yesterday.
The popular eight-year-old was floored by Jonjo O’Neill’s Taquin Du Seuil in the Steel Plate and Sections Novices’ Chase, a contest which was run at a farcically slow pace.
Left in front at the first, Oscar Whisky was free and sticky over the obstacles early on but warmed to the task, developing a nice rhythm down the back.
His rival was following closely however and once unleashed, McCoy’s mount proved just the stronger in a driving finish up the taxing hill.
Oscar Whisky’s connections were quick to point out making the running did not suit him and that he would come on for the outing.
Walters told the Argus it was “very nerve-wracking” to watch the chasing debut of his pride and joy: “I can assure you Oscar will have his day,” he said.
“At least we can see he can jump. He used a lot of energy up when the jockey was trying to steady him. They all need a run and I wouldn’t swap him for anything.”
Walters’ racecourse Ffos Las recently received plaudits from the industry by raising a massive £100,000 towards the care of jockey JT McNamara, paralysed in a fall at the 2013 Festival.
Funds from auctions and a raffle came in just shy of the mark, so the owner dipped in to his own pocket to boost the figure.
“We are the first racecourse in Britain that has raised that amount of money. I’d like to thank all of our team and everyone who supported us.  It’s the least we can do for the poor man who’s suffering,” said Walters, who has African Gold, Edmund Kean and Rally running for him this afternoon.
At 2.35, the handicap mark of Colour Squadron could look rather generous after his run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
A talented hurdler, he gets in this classy race off just 10 stone 2lb following a winless first campaign over the larger obstacles.
The last of those was when he finished 5th at the Festival behind one of today’s rivals Rajdhani Express and the intriguing point there was he was sent off favourite under McCoy.
In my eyes, that indicated connections must feel he has a big handicap in him if he gets his act together.
Don’t forget this is horse which was short-headed by Captain Conan in a Grade One in his younger days and with a summer on his back, there is every chance connections will have ironed out his jumping frailties.
Furthermore, he was taken out of his comeback run against the smart pair Raya Star and Tanerko Enery and is lightly raced for a 7-year-old.
Speaking to the Argus in the paddock yesterday, owner JP McManus nominated Colour Squadron as having the best chance of his trio, but added it is a “very competitive race.”
Earlier in the day, Art Mauresque looks a fascinating contender in the race which starts proceedings (12.40).
Paul Nicholls mentioned him in a stable tour as one of his nice young horses and he has traditionally used this race as a starting point for some of his best early types.
His stable is finding a bit of form but it’s not yet on the scale of Emma Lavelle’s achievements this season and she runs Le Bec in the 1.15.
This one has always looked like he will make a better chaser than hurdler and he created a good impression at Uttoxeter.
She can double up with Timesremembered in the 3.35, as he won impressively at Chepstow last time and our local course is not too dissimilar to Cheltenham.
He’s won on good and soft going and it takes a good one to do that.