Simonsig geared up for BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso
The six-year-old speedy gelding, Simonsig, is all set to show his magic in the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, where he will face five dangerous rivals.
His trainer, Nicky Henderson decided to send him on a long journey, after finding no other proper opportunity around.
The 2-mile and 2-furlong event is due to get underway at 03:40 on Wednesday, January 15, 2012.
Simonsig is making his first outing this year, after losing Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle in early December.
In that contest, Philip Hobbs’s Fingal Bay, outclassed Simonsig, by 2 ¾ lengths.
Despite his ordinary show in the last race, Henderson has pinned a lot of hopes on Simonsig.
"There are virtually no races left for him and I want him to run before Cheltenham, so this makes sense," said Henderson ahead of the battle at Kelso.
Alongside Simonsig, the line-up for the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle includes:
LOCAL HERO,
MARSH WARBLER,
KNOCKARA BEAU,
LITTLE HERCULES, and
ORSIPPUS.
Knockara Beau is coming back to hurdles after a long hiatus. However, his trainer, George Charlton is hoping for a good show.
He also termed this race as crucial in preparations for the Cheltenham Festival, saying that the outcome of the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle will give an idea about where Knockara Beau is currently standing at.
Charlton said:
"I just thought it was a good place to go to give him a spin before Cheltenham. It's only two and a quarter miles, but with the frost and everything it's going to be tacky ground and it will be a test.”
"We had the option of going to Haydock on Saturday for the three-mile hurdle race there, but I don't want to give him a hard race on heavy ground this close to Cheltenham," he added.
Knockara Beau’s latest outing was in the Argento Chase, where he managed to finish among first three.
He was lucky to get a notable place on the chart, after suffering a lot on the track.
Local Hero, and Brian Ellison's Marsh Warbler, are also in a good form at the moment. With such a terrific line-up, the spectators are anticipating a thrilling contest.
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