Even though he was 11lbs out of the Handicap, Champ Is Real made a winning start to his chasing career at Mussleburgh under a fine ride from Adam Wedge. The first leg of a superb treble for trainer and jockey.
CHAMP IS REAL had achieved nothing in maiden/novice hurdles but had been placed in points last winter and proved a different proposition switched to a chase/handicap over a longer trip, as very much forewarned by the betting. He was actually 11lb out of the weights here so it's possible that connections will be able to get him out under a penalty off effectively a similar mark in the next 12 days. Whether they manage that or not he's starting out from a low base and is sure to remain of interest once reassessed. He also wore a tongue-tie for the first time.
