Lyvius' JCB Triumph Hurdle credentials drift after Berrymoss Novices' Hurdle win
A convincing victory in the Berrymoss Novices' Hurdle at Kelso has pumped up, Lyvius’ credentials for next month’s Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Nicky Henderson trained has been cut to 14 to 1 (from 20 to 1) for the forthcoming big event. The four-year-old certainly deserves this upgrading after his wonderful show on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
Lyvius started off Berrymoss Novices' Hurdle as the 4 to 6 favourite, and didn’t let his supporters down. After tracking leaders initially, the gray horse managed to hold a decent lead.
He covered the 2 mile ½ furlong distance smoothly under, Barry Geraghty, maintaining his dominance right through the event. Consequently, the rampant colt reached the winning post two lengths ahead of the runner up, Rhymers Ha'. Donald McCain’s, Absinthe,
finished third on the list, finish three quarters of a length adrift of the runner-up.
Lyvius’ comprehensive triumph was good news for Henderson, who was delighted with his trainee’s superb effort. The trainer also cited Berrymoss Novices' Hurdle success as a great preparation for next month’s mega event.
Henderson said:
"He's been travelling the country for three weeks trying to get a run, including when he came up to Musselburghten days ago.
It was Lyvius’ second consecutive win, as he had clinched a classy victory in the Iffezheim - Preis des Gemeinde Derbys Ausgleich (Handicap) last year. After showing his magic in Germany, the horse is determined to do an even better job in the United Kingdom.
Henderson expressed complete satisfaction over Lyvius’ present rhythm, but was reluctant to make any claims. He hinted that Lyvius will be given another run before the upcoming Grade 1 event.
"I hoped he might be a Triumph Hurdle horse but based on what we've seen today I'd like him to have another run before throwing him into that company, and we might not have the time to do it. His hurdling technique is not quite there but he'll learn an awful
lot from that," he added.
The 2 mile and 1 furlong JCB Triumph Hurdle is scheduled to take place at Cheltenham on March 16, 2012. The contestants from all over the world are gearing up for the big battle, and a dramatic meeting is on the cards.
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