Monksland’s outing doubtful before the Ladbrokes World Hurdle
Trainer, Noel Meade, is double minded about racing his six-year-old bay gelding before the World Hurdle. The Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March is the set target for the six-year-old, if Monsland should be raced before that or not cuts at the root of peace of mind.
Beneficial’s gelding has raced thrice during the current season and has won twice. His last two outings have seen him in confrontation with, Zaidpour.
Monksland kick started the season with being entered as the favourite for the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle on 2nd November, 2012 at Down Royal over two miles.
Riding with jockey, P. Carberry, he defeated Joxer by two lengths.
The second outing of the Con Troy owned was in the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on 2nd December, 2012 at Fairyhouse over two miles and four furlongs.
He missed the prize money this time as the joint favourite, Zaidpour, left Monksland adrift by 2 ½ lengths.
Ending at the third position was, Voler La Vedette.
The most recent accomplishment of the six-year-old out of, Cush Jewel, was in the Grade 2 Woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle on 28th December, 2012 at Leopardstown over three miles.
Turning the tables from the scenario and ranking of the last race, Monksland defeated Zaidpour by 2 ½ lengths.
The connections are positive about his ability to post in the third success of the season.
The County Meath handler commented:
"He has come out of his race really well, there's not a bother on him."
"I don't know if he'll run again before (Cheltenham) or not but the plan with him is to go back to Cheltenham for the World Hurdle.”
"He could have a run somewhere - there are races at Gowran and Navan for him - but I'm not sure. We could just go straight to Cheltenham with him.
"We'll see how he is over the next week or two and then make a decision.”
"If he does have a run again before Cheltenham, he'll only run the once.”
"We're delighted with how he did it the other day and, in fairness to the horse, he always runs a good race."
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