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Old Roan Chase 2011
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Albertas Run Romps Home in Old Roan Chase
22/10/11
1 Albertas Run 5/2
2 Pure Faith 20/1
3 Master Minded 2/5F
3 ran Distances: 1l, 7l
TIME 5m 4.00s (slow by 14.00s)
Red-hot favourite Master Minded trailed home a disappointing last of the three runners as Jonjo O'Neill's Albertas Run claimed victory in the Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase.
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Master Minded travelled with his usual verve for a long way but was showing a tendency to hang to his right in the last mile, something that has been a problem in the past.
Albertas Run (5-2) led the trio into the straight and for a brief moment it appeared rank outsider Pure Faith could spring a major surprise, but Tony McCoy's mount got his measure after the final flight to land the Grade Two prize by a length, with Master Minded hugely disappointing and well beaten off.
O'Neill said: "He's a super little horse. He jumped very nicely today, but I'm not sure what the race was worth (form-wise). He was getting 10lb off Master Minded and I'd imagine both horses will come on a lot for the run.
"It's a very nice race to win, he's been in great form at home and he did everything very fluently today."
Mick Meagher, racing manager for winning owner Trevor Hemmings, added: "He could got to Ascot next for the Amlin 1965 Chase and we'll also have a look at Haydock (RSA Chase."
Master Minded's rider, Ruby Walsh, said: "He was disappointing. I don't know if it's down to fitness, we'll have to look at the race again."
Georgie Browne, wife of Master Minded's trainer Paul Nicholls, added: "Ascot (Amlin 1965 Chase) was the plan but this race came along and looked a nice option. If he's only 90% on his game, it seems to make a big difference."
