Simonsig ready for Cheltenham Festival after BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle success
Simonsig gave a final touch to his Cheltenham Festival preparations by grabbing a comfortable win in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
However, his win has put his trainer, Nicky Henderson in a huge difficulty, with regards to which competition to enter him in. Simonsig holds entry for both William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
Despite a couple of mistakes under Barry Geraghty, the six-year-old managed to wrest an easy victory. After tracking the leaders initially, he became a bit lazy in the middle.
Yet, a powerful performance in the final few furlongs guided the horse to a strong win, with 2 ¼ lengths to spare over the eventual runner-up Knockara Beau. George Charlton’s trainee kept on trying hard, but failed to compete with Simonsig’s pace.
Henderson is completely satisfied with Simonsig’s present run, but he still has a few areas to work on. The six-year-old hit the final two fences – a mistake he had already committed in his penultimate outing. Henderson on the other hand is not worried,
saying that a low sun at Kelso created a few problems for his runner.
Despite losing his speed because of brushing the hurdles, Simonsig scooped the winning prize of £9,747.00. As a result of his classy triumph, he has been cut to the 6 to 1 favourite (from 8) for the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Geraghty wants Simonsig
to run in the Neptune Hurdle, but the connections are yet to make a decision.
Henderson said:
"I always hoped he would be a bit special and I think he probably is but I don't know what we learnt today. Barry's got a feeling to go over further and go for the Neptune but we're not going to make our minds up here and now.”
“I'm sorry to sit on the fence but that's where I am at the moment. It's a difficult decision to make," he added.
Simonsig holds a wonderful track record in hurdle races. Out of his total three outings, he came out as winner on a couple of occasions. With such a brilliant record under his belt, the horse will enjoy obvious chances in next month’s mega event.
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