Harrington waits on Mac’s Joy
This year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up gained his revenge on winner Brave Inca by beating him at Punchestown in April but has not raced since.
He was due to start off in the ‘Fighting Fifth’ Hurdle at Newcastle last month but was ruled out after pulling a muscle.
“Macs Joy is grand, but I’ll know next week if he can run at Christmas. I just need to see how he does in the next few days,” said Harrington.
Meanwhile, Richard Johnson believes his mount Mighty Man can live up to his billing as hot favourite in the feature BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot today.
Henry Daly’s smart stayer is 10-11 with totesport for the Grade One contest over three miles and one furlong following his pleasing reappearance behind Hardy Eustace last month.
The six-year-old was beaten 11 lengths by the dual Champion Hurdle hero over an inadequate trip of two miles, three and a half furlongs at the Berkshire track.
“He improved with every run last year and he had a good run over two and a half miles at Ascot the other day behind Hardy Eustace, who has come out and run very well since,” said Johnson.
“He’s in good form and we hope they don’t get too much rain as he likes good ground.
“If the going stays on the good side he’s got every chance. Hopefully, he’ll be the one to beat.”
Lough Derg was 10 lengths behind Mighty Man in third place in that Ascot heat and his rider Tom Scudamore believes David Pipe’s charge will also be suited by the longer distance.
“First time out this season he ran a nice race behind Hardy Eustace. It was two miles three and it’s three miles plus tomorrow which will suit him,” said Scudamore.
“It will be hard to turn the tables on Mighty Man, but I think he’s got a decent each-way chance.
