By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail
Published: 22:34 GMT, 1 March 2019 | Updated: 22:58 GMT, 1 March 2019
View
comments
It has not been a vintage jumps season for trainer Kerry Lee, but recent signs have been more encouraging and HAPPY DIVA (Newbury, nap, 2.40) can continue her resurgence in Saturday's Greatwood Gold Cup.
Recent victories for Kings Monarch and The Welsh Paddies have signalled an upsurge in fortunes for the Herefordshire handler and her admirable mare holds a live chance of plundering this afternoon’s feature in the capable hands of Richard Patrick.
The talented conditional rider enjoys a terrific rapport with Happy Diva, with 13 completed rides aboard the eight-year-old returning remarkably consistent form figures of 1123211212231.
Happy Diva can continue this season's resurgence in Saturday's Greatwood Gold Cup
Happy Diva was left alone by the handicapper for her gritty Listed chase defeat of Irish rival Magic Of Light at Huntingdon in January and it is worth noting the ratings aficionados have her two latest performances as the best of her career.
Her penultimate start at Ascot now appears a vastly better run than it did at the time with the winner, Cyrname, going on to destroy a select Grade One field in the Ascot Chase and earn the title as the top-rated British chaser, exceeding even the mighty Altior.
The prospect of a genuinely run event should play to the strengths of Happy Diva, a strong traveller, and conditions should be ideal.
War Sound has been the chief mover in the ante-post lists, having been as big as 14-1 earlier this week.
I can understand why the 10-year-old has been backed into morning
