Dynamite Dollars produced a sensational performance in the gloom at Kempton Park on Thursday afternoon as the Paul Nicholls-trained star fought off Kalashnikov in a thrilling renewal of the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices' Chase and bagged one of the shock racing results of the day.
Heading into the festive feature on the back of a fine Grade 1 win in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown Park a few months ago, Dynamite Dollars had the burden of trying to give 5lbs to Kalashnikov, who headed into the race as the ante-post favourite for the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
However, the Amy Murphy-trained Kalashnikov had to survive an almost catastrophic error in the early part of the race, and from that moment was forced to work in order to get up with the speed.
Harry Cobden, fresh from his King George VI Chase win on board Clan Des Obeaux continued to pile it on out the front and turning for him he kicked clear, but was unable to pull clear of the brave Kalashnikov, who tried to get back on terms.
4/6 favourite Kalashnikov failed to reel in the Ditcheat winner Dynamite Dollars, who landed the prize at 3/1 and was immediately cut from 12/1 to 6/1 for the Arkle at next year's Cheltenham Festival, while Kalashnikov was eased to 7/1 with some bookmakers.
A rather volatile market now sees a host of contenders challenging for favouritism, but back-to-back graded wins for Dynamite Dollars has seen him join Kalashnikov and Lalor at the head of the ante-post betting, and having given weight away this afternoon it will be a tough task for Kalashnikov to turn that form around at Prestbury Park in the spring.
