Ben Polling has watched Diva Luna establish herself in the Eventmasters.co.uk Lady Godiva Mares Novices Chase at Warwick and is eager to face the gelding again in the Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown. This six-year-old, highly regarded by Kone, competed in last year’s Cheltenham Festival filly novice hurdle and has notably improved since moving to larger hurdles this season.
After an effortless win in her first chase at Bangor, Diva Luna started as a strong 1-4 favorite to claim more Listed titles. Despite a small error, she delivered an impressive jumping display, finishing comfortably ahead by three and a half lengths over Neil Mulholland’s Blue Russ. Pauling expressed relief and confidence in Diva Luna’s continued strong performances, noting how her presence might have intimidated other competitors in the race. He highlighted her professionalism and praised the jockeys for their support throughout the race.
Devarna continues to maintain a 10-1 record in the filly race at Prestbury Park, which remains a goal for the spring. However, first on the agenda could be a challenge for the Sandown Grade 1, a title Poehling won last year. Poling noted the desire to enter the Isles of Scilly race as Diva Luna has earned the chance to compete at a higher level.
Poling also mentioned the advantage Diva Luna has from filly allowances against stallions and expressed his preference for the Sandown race as the next step. Depending on her performance there, they might target the filly chase or the Festival’s 2½-year-old Grade 1 race, though he doesn’t see her as an Arkle contender. He praised Diva Luna as a beautiful and thrilling horse and thanked her owners, the McLennan family, for their steadfast support.
Meanwhile, Dan Skelton’s Money Gallow, the 5-6 favorite, capitalized on a class drop by claiming victory in the Aztec Aerosol Contract Filling Maiden Hurdle. The five-year-old, who placed second in a Listed race last season, showed promise with a strong seven-length win. Skelton respected the runner-up’s quality and was pleased with Money Gallow’s progress and determination. Though uncertain if Money Gallow suits Cheltenham at this stage, Skelton intends to continue developing the horse with plans for longer distances in the spring.
Additionally, the Skelton brothers celebrated another win with Chuggy, who narrowly defeated the commanding 12-length winner in the Aztec Aerosol Spray Sam Joy Novice Handicap Chase.
Fan Take: This news excites horse racing fans as it highlights emerging talent like Diva Luna and Money Gallow, who could shape key races in the upcoming season. Their performances signal competitive, thrilling contests ahead, promising a dynamic future for novice chasers and the sport as a whole.
