AFTER winning a second totetentofollow Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Saturday veteran Monet’s Garden will bid for another double in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon in December. Nicky Richards’s flying grey returned to the track with a superb front-running display to record his fourth victory in seven starts at Aintree and land the Grade Two for a second time after his defeat of dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kauto Star in 2007. The 11-year-old had only won once since that success and he will also bid to repeat that victory at Huntingdon on December 12. Trainer Richards was delighted with his horse, who was landing his 15th career success in 28 runs. In last year’s renewal Monet’s Garden floundered in the heavy conditions behind the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Knowhere, and disappointed in his only other run last season at the Cheltenham Festival. But on a sounder surface he beat 11-4 favourite Tidal Bay by two and a lengths with last year’s winner a further 13 lengths back in third. Richards said: “He had been showing signs at home that he was in good nick and he has jumped really well today. “The ground was all wrong for him last year, but he showed his true colours when he won the Peterborough Chase. At Cheltenham, he came back with a bit of a knock. “We have not thought too far ahead, but I expect he will have another crack at the Peterborough.” Jockey Barry Geraghty, who was riding Monet’s Garden for the first time, added: “He has jumped as good as you could ever wish a horse to jump. I couldn't be more delighted with him. He has won brilliantly.” Connections of the second home Tidal Bay were delighted with his seasonal reappearance and glad he was fine after a worrying moment in the winner’s enclosure. The eight-year-old began to spasm, but after being attended to by a vet he was led away seemingly none the worse for wear. Owner Graham Wylie said: “That was a worrying moment. But he is all right thank heaven. He has run a terrific race, but just come up against a very good horse in top form.” Meanwhile after Sea The Stars’ retirement the stud there is seemingly a new potential super star to look forward to next year in St Nicholas Abbey. The Aidan O’Brien colt is a warm order for both the Stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas and the Investec Derby following a scintillating performance to win the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday. TODAY’S NAP: Stevie Gee (3.30pm Leicester) | 
