Richards' grey returns to form Monet's Garden recorded his first win in over a year when landing the Grade 2 totesport.com Peterborough Chase under Davy Condon at Huntingdon this afternoon. The 5/1 chance had disappointed on his reappearance in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree but was always travelling well here for Condon, producing some fantastic leaps throughout the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest. Nicky Richards' stable star was being pushed along turning for home but found plenty for pressure to score by half a length from Snoopy Loopy, with Mister McGoldrick a further five lengths back in third. The Charlie Swan-trained One Cool Cookie cut out the early pace but was beaten before two out, eventually finishing another eight lengths adrift in fourth under Davy Russell. Condon, who stepped into the position vacated by Tony Dobbin at Richards' Greystoke stable this season, said 'Monet's was a bit disappointing on his first run at Aintree but I spoke to Tony about him and he said I should just follow Snoopy Loopy.' 'He might need a bit further these days and he just kept finding. I've a lot to live up to after Tony but moments like this make my move worthwhile.' Richards said, 'That was just the job. One or two of mine haven't really been firing but he is the kind of horse that puts a smile back on your face.' 'I'll have to talk to the owner, David Yates, but he has had a hard race today and it might be that we miss the King George and wait until Ascot.' Snoopy Loopy ran another tremendous race having won the Betfair Chase at Haydock and finished third in the Hennessy Gold Cup last month. His trainer Peter Bowen said, 'The horse always comes out of his races well and that's why we keep on running him. I can't wait for the King George now.' Sky Bet cut Snoopy Loopy to 20/1 from 25's for the Kempton showpiece, while Paddy Power make him only a 16/1 chance. Both Sky Bet and Stan James are offering 40/1 about Monet's Garden for the King George.
