Simonsig confirmed to join Neptune at Cheltenham – Horseracing Update
The champion trainer Nicky Henderson’s talented young gelding, Simonsig, has been confirmed to participate in Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle instead of William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle during the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.
Earlier, Simonsig was supposed to run in both the high-profile races but his trainer has opted for Neptune after evaluating his brilliant pupil’s preparations and skills in school.
Scheduled to be held on March 14 at Cheltenham, the Grade 1 contest of 2m5f distance will have 118 runners including a lot of big names. The event will start at 2:05 (GMT) on Wednesday.
The Boylesports have regarded Simonsig as 7-2 favourite for the high-stakes competition. On the other hand, he was priced 5-1 for the Supreme.
Henderson is quite satisfied with his decision to run Simonsig in Neptune.
While speaking to the media a couple of days back, the legendary trainer said, “It was a difficult decision but after talking it over with Simonsig's owner Ronnie Bartlett we've opted for the 2m5f race. I hope we've got it right!"
He went on to say, “Barry [Geraghty] worked Simonsig yesterday and schooled him this morning and all went very well."
Simonsig’s regular jockey, Barry Geraghty, has also expressed confidence on the runner’s skills, anticipating that Neptune will suit him better and he is likely to produce outstanding results over there.
He stated, "He's a very talented horse over any distance but I just felt the longer trip will help his jumping at Cheltenham. I'm very much looking forward to the ride."
Since his debut in February 2011, Simonsig has been at the peak of his form. After winning his very maiden race, he went on to register a fabulous during hat-trick April-November.
The R A Bartlett-trained gelding finished second in a race on December 2. In his last outing on February 15, 2012 at Kelso, the six-year-old dashing runner grabbed a big success. He was 2-7 favourite for that contest.
Simonsig is expected to capitalise well on his fresh form and show a big ran at Cheltenham. Though the competition is tough, but the talented horse will surely be able to come up with impressive results.
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