Late decision on The Market Man’s bid
Soft ground would rule the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding out of the £100,000 contest, for which he is a 14-1 chance with the sponsors.
“It’s going to be a last-minute decision as far as we are concerned,” said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.
“If it stays dry all week he might run. If it rains and the ground becomes quite soft he won’t go.”
The Market Man would be dropping back in trip having tackled distances between two mile and five furlongs to three miles in his three races this term, although he did win twice over two miles last season.
“He won over two miles at Kempton, which you wouldn’t describe as a stiff test, on his debut over hurdles,” Simpson went on.
“He’s not lacking in speed. The trip would be a concern, of course, as he’s been running over further.
“He’s got a high cruising speed, but not a terrific turn of foot. The Ladbroke is usually run at a very fast pace which would suit him.
“Whether or not he’s good enough given the fact he’s got a big weight we’ll have to see.
“In the past we have even taken him out after declaring him when ground conditions have changed to being unsuitable, so he’s one we can only play from one day to the next.”
This will be his last campaign over hurdles as the Grosvenor gelding will go novice chasing next season.
“He’ll go novice chasing next season, and that’s where we hope the horse is going to benefit,” Simpson added. If he doesn’t run on Saturday he might just have one prep race and then go to Cheltenham. He’ll be entered in a couple of races there or maybe even go to Aintree.
“Plans are fluid - we haven’t got any firm targets for him. He’ll be entered in as many races for which he is qualified for. We’ve not given the horse a hard time. He’s had the three races this season and he’s done extremely well. We are well pleased with the progress he is making.”
The Market Man won his first two starts this autumn at Cheltenham and Newbury before being pipped by Mighty Man back at Cheltenham last month.
