MOORE’S ED FOR HEIGHTS
GARY MOORE hopes Editeur Du Gite will rise to the challenge for his Clarence House Chase title defence at Cheltenham.
The gutsy campaigner raced away from hot favourite Energumene and rallied past Edwardstone in a thrilling conclusion to last year’s renewal.
Originally scheduled at Ascot, bad weather put it on hold for a third time in 11 years, its addition boosting Saturday’s Trials Day programme to eight races.
Top two-mile chaser Jonbon, who beat Moore’s horse at the track this season, is rated 8lb superior in the My Pension Expert-sponsored contest.
“Jonbon will be tough to beat,” said
Moore (right), requiring rain for Salver to tackle JCB Triumph Hurdle fancies Burdett Road and Sir Gino on the event’s undercard.
“I expect our horse to run a big race, he’s very well. We’d like better ground for him, while Salver must have it soft.” Entries for top-level novice hurdle races at Prestbury Park’s four-day March highlight were revealed yesterday.
But Evan Williams’ Grade Two course scorer Minella Missile was a notable absentee.
The Welsh handler, based at stables a short drive from Cardiff, has set Aintree as an alternative target.
“He missed a bit of work and he needed to run on Trials Day if he was going to make the Festival,” Williams said. “It’s not happening at the moment so there’s no point forcing it. He’ll be a grand horse in time.” EQUINOX, Japan’s top-rated performer of all time, was named the world’s best racehorse for 2023 at yesterday’s Longines awards.
JOCKEY Jack Kennedy’s 79-1 four-timer lit up a gloomy Down Royal – taking his record to seven wins from his last eight rides.