Junior set to run at Newbury in the John Smith's Grand National Chase for his first race of the year
In a bid to gear up for the John Smith's Grand National Chase, Junior is all set to make his first outing of the season at Newbury.
The nine-year-old has been given the entry for the Betfair Supports Walking With The Wounded Handicap Hurdle, to be held on Friday, February 17, 2012.
After an exciting race at Newbury, the colt is scheduled to partake in Ascot’s Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Chase (Limited Handicap) this weekend.
Junior has some crucial meetings ahead, and the 2011 Challenge Cup winner is aiming to display a wonderful show to get ready for forthcoming major fixtures.
After his participation in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the veteran colt will head to Aintree, where he is due to take part in the Grade 3 John Smith's Grand National Chase in April this year.
To protect his handicap mark, Pipe has not yet brought his trainee out on the course. He has now several entries in hand, but Newbury seems to be his top priority.
"We knew Junior was going to get around the 11st mark, it's a nice weight and we just have to try and get him there in one piece now. He won the Kim Muir very easily - probably too easily as he went up a lot (19lb) in the handicap. After that the long-term
plan was to come for the National and he's had a nice, long break,” said Pipe.
He continued:
"Everything has been geared towards the National, with probably a run over hurdles to start with and then fences. I think we're probably leaning towards Newbury on Friday."
Junior is likely to face a tough challenge in the John Smith's Grand National Chase, as other contenders such as, Calgary Bay, and Organisedconfusion, are also aiming high.
Calgary Bay’s trainer, Henrietta Knight is happy with her horse’s present rhythm. She also hinted that the nine-year-old will skip a few outing and head straight to Aintree for the big race.
On the other hand, Organisedconfusion’s trainer, Arthur Moore is also pretty confident of producing a good result. He cited Organisedconfusion’s imminent outing at Leopardstown and Nass as critical in preparations for the big combat at Aintree.
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